TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Foreign Ownership

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will change the rules on providing help to firms for which more than 25 per cent. of ownership is in foreign hands.

Alan Johnson: holding answer 27 June 2002
	I am not aware of any such general rules. However, there are certain schemes of assistance which are only open to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). This would exclude a firm which was more than 25 per cent. owned by a non SME, whether that was a UK or overseas undertaking. Whether it is appropriate to extend schemes of assistance to larger companies is a matter to be addressed on a scheme by scheme basis. In some circumstances, though, EC state aid rules would preclude such extensions.

Brownfield Development

Debra Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much brownfield land has been redeveloped by each regional development agency in each year since their formation.

Alan Johnson: During the three years after the RDAs were created on 1 April 1999 up to the introduction of their Single Programme funding on 1 April 2002, the RDAs reported to each funding Department individually on the outcome of their separate programmes. Brownfield land redevelopment was funded by what is now the Office of my right hon. Friend, the Deputy Prime Minister. Accordingly DTI does not hold any figures for these years.

Consumer Credit

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will introduce measures to reform the Consumer Credit Act 1974 to ensure that time orders can be used to the advantage of debtors in Scotland.

Melanie Johnson: As part of the Government's review of consumer credit legislation, we will be looking at how we can make the consumer protection measures in the 1974 Act more effective. The Scottish Executive have also recently consulted on the Enforcement of Civil Obligations in Scotland and this consultation mentions time orders under the 1974 Act while recognising that any changes to the 1974 Act would be a reserved matter. The Government will take account of any comments made about time orders under the 1974 Act in our review of consumer credit legislation.

WorldCom

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has for reform of (a) company law and (b) corporate governance as a result of the WorldCom fraud; and if she will make a statement.

Melanie Johnson: In February a group was set up to coordinate the response of key regulators to the issues for accounting, auditing and aspects of corporate governance raised in the aftermath of Enron. It will produce an interim report by the end of July. The Government will also publish in July its first formal response to the recommendations of the Company Law Review.

Company Auditors

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she has reviewed the rules relating to company auditors in light of the situation at WorldCom; and if she will make a statement.

Melanie Johnson: The Co-ordinating group set up in February to co-ordinate the responses of the key regulators to issues for audit and accounting raised in the aftermath of Enron, and now WorldCom, will produce an interim report by the end of July. The Government have made clear that it is important to restore confidence in the independence of auditors.

Multi-disciplinary Professional Practices

John Burnett: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her policy is on multi- disciplinary professional practices; and if she will make a statement.

Melanie Johnson: Multi-disciplinary professional practices can be beneficial for both the parties concerned and consumers. Any restrictions on such practices should be no more than is necessary to ensure that conflicts of interest are avoided, standards of ethical and professional conduct are maintained and consumers are properly protected.

Inward Investment

Chris Mole: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on how successful the UK has been in attracting inward investment.

Patricia Hewitt: With my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, I am pleased to inform the House that the UK is still Europe's top inward investment location, despite a fall from last year's record totals in the number of investment projects and jobs created.
	Invest.UK has announced in its annual review published today, that for the period between 1 April 2001 and 31 March 2002, the number of direct investment projects by foreign owned companies into the UK reported to Invest.UK by its partner agencies in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the English Regional Development Agencies totalled 764.
	The UK is an excellent place to do business and this is reflected in our success in attracting consistently high levels of inward investment since Invest.UK was founded in 1977 as the Invest In Britain Bureau. Indeed we continue to be the top inward investment location in Europe.
	Today's Invest.UK figures show that the UK is not immune from the global economic downturn. New inward investment projects in to the UK have fallen 12 per cent. from last year's record figures. This reflects international investment falls across the world, caused particularly by reduced activity in the technology sectors. In the UK the sharpest fall is in US investment in the technology sectors.
	In the current economic climate international business is more cautious. Many investors will have postponed decisions until confidence returns and we must be ready to secure these opportunities as recovery comes.
	I am arranging for a copy of Invest.UK's annual review to be placed in the Libraries of the House.

European Working Time Directive

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she will take to encourage employers in the offshore sector to implement the terms of the European Working Time Directive in advance of the date when the directive must be enforced.

Alan Johnson: The Government have had regular contacts with both employers and employee representatives in the offshore sector about the implementation of the directive, which is due in August 2003. The Government will carry out a full public consultation on its proposals for implementation. It is for the industry to decide whether to take steps to implement the directive ahead of the August deadline.

Regional Development Agencies

Andrew Robathan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of the board members of each regional development agency were (a) living and (b) working in their respective region in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000, (iii) 2001 and (iv) 2002.

Alan Johnson: The information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost as records containing this information are not held regionally or centrally. However, in each appointment round for board members, an understanding of the issues affecting the region has been a core selection criterion. For example, the current appointment process for board members includes the criterion "Applicants must have a good knowledge of the region, with a good operational network of regional contacts and in-depth experience in at least one area of the RDA's work".

Oil and Gas Infrastructure

Lawrie Quinn: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on her powers to settle disputes over access between oil and gas infrastructure owners and potential third party users.

Brian Wilson: Following extensive consultation through the Department's consultation 'Oil and Gas Infrastructure: Guidance on Applications for resolution of Disputes over Third Party Access', the Department has, today, issued guidance to clarify how the Secretary of State would use long standing powers in the Petroleum Act 1998, Pipe-lines Act 1962 and the Gas Act 1995. This Guidance sets out how the Department would handle applications and the principles that would be applied in making a determination.
	We have also published today a summary of responses to the consultation. Copies of both documents have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Working Hours

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the average number of working hours per week is for full-time UK workers; what information she collates on the EU average for full-time workers; and what plans she has to move the UK average closer to the EU average.

Alan Johnson: The average number of working hours per week for all full-time workers in the UK was 44.2 in 2000. This data was collected from the EU Labour Force Survey, which is also used to determine the EU average for full-time workers.
	My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry will be leading a tour, later this year, to examine working practices in the US and in EU member states.

Yachts (French Nationals)

Tim Collins: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will hold discussions with (a) the European Commission and (b) the French Government on the operation of the French national rules requiring that yachts registered in France must be captained at all times by French nationals, with regard to the freedom of movement of labour within the EU; whether she has assessed the impact of these rules on the employment of UK nationals; and if she will make a statement.

David Jamieson: holding answer 18 June 2002
	I have been asked to reply.
	We support the principle of free movement of labour within the EU and the need to ensure that exceptions are clearly justified.
	Government officials have previously been in contact with the European Commission about the French national rules, which the French Government have argued in the past reflect public duties placed on the captains of French vessels. The Commission has expressed the view that these appear compatible with Community law. My Department will consider any particular case that is brought to our attention.

UK Petrol Stations

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many petrol stations in the United Kingdom have installed vapour recovery equipment in the last year to comply with EC directives.

Michael Meacher: I have been asked to reply.
	Under Directive 94/63/EC, implemented under the Environment Protection Act 1990, from 31 December 2001 all existing petrol stations in the UK with an annual throughput greater than 500 cu m are required to have installed Stage I petrol vapour recovery controls. It is estimated that this measure is likely to have effected around 1,700 petrol stations in the UK over a six year period, based on 1998 site figures. In England and Wales local authorities are responsible for the implementation of Stage I equipment at petrol stations in their region. In Scotland this is the role of SEPA and in Northern Ireland the local enforcing authority.

DEFENCE

Ministerial Visits

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how often Ministers in his Department visited United States Government military bases and establishments on United Kingdom territory between 1 January 1997 and 1 January 1999; which Ministers were involved; what the date of the visit was; and which United States military facility was visited on each occasion.

Lewis Moonie: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 30 April 2002, Official Report, column 745W.

Sub-continent (Weapons Capability)

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what discussions he has held with the Secretary of State for International Development regarding increases in overall weapons capability of (a) India and (b) Pakistan between December 2001 and June 2002;
	(2)  what discussions he has held with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry regarding increases in the overall weapons capability of (a) India and (b) Pakistan between December 2001 and June 2002;
	(3)  what discussions he has held with the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs regarding increases in the overall weapons capability of (a) India and (b) Pakistan between December 2001 and June 2002.

Geoff Hoon: In light of the recent tensions between India and Pakistan, I have discussed the weapon capabilities of India and Pakistan with Cabinet colleagues on several occasions during the period in question.

Munitions Depots

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements are in place for (a) staff consultation, (b) assistance to staff from the employment service and (c) consultation with the local planning authority in respect of the closure of West Dean munitions depot.

Adam Ingram: Defence Munitions (DM) entered into formal consultation procedures with the national trade unions on 24 June. Consultation is due to complete on 2 August. Each member of staff at the depot has been given a copy of a consultative document. As part of the Staff consultation process the local trade unions have been invited to an open day on 10 July, to be briefed on the background, conduct and findings of the work which led to the recommendation to close the DM site at Dean Hill.
	Although their involvement in no way precluded the formal consultation process, TU representatives also provided valuable advice throughout the process.
	The Ministry of Defence outplacement scheme will be involved should the depot close as proposed, and would help staff find alternative opportunities. This would include help in CV preparation, coaching in interviewing techniques, and retraining skills if appropriate.
	The local planning authority (Test Valley) are aware of plans to close DM Dean Hill. They, Defence Estates and Defence Munitions have already met to discuss the potential impact of depot closure and options for developing the site.

Munitions Depots

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the consultation period will end on his proposal to close Dean Hill munitions depot; and if he will list the consultees.

Adam Ingram: The formal consultation period began with the issue of a Consultative Document on 24 June 2002 and was originally due to complete on 2 August. However, following recent representations from the trade unions the consultation period has been extended by two weeks and will now conclude on 16 August 2002. Formal consultation with the trade unions is being carried out at departmental level, i.e. with the MOD Council of Civil Service Unions (MOD CCSU) and the MOD Industrial Whitley Council (MOD DIWC). For completeness the Defence Police Federation and the Chief Police Officers' Association are also involved in this consultation exercise.
	The formal consultation process is being supplemented by informal contact with the trade unions and staff within Defence Munitions. Officials of the DM Whitley committees have received personal copies of the consultation document, as has every member of staff in the Dean Hill depot. A copy has also been posted on an internal MOD website. The formal study report has also been sent to key members of the national trade unions and is available to DM staff and other TU representatives upon request. A DM trade union open day has been arranged for 10 July at which DM trade union representatives will hear about the background to the proposal to close the depot.

Low Flying

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact Apache training will have on Somerset; and if low-flying will be conducted in the county.

Lewis Moonie: Unfortunately, there are no uninhabited areas of the United Kingdom large enough to meet all our essential military aircraft training needs. It is, therefore, our policy that, in principle, the whole of the United Kingdom is open to low flying by military aircraft in order to spread the disturbance as thinly as possible.
	The Ministry of Defence is fully committed to ensuring that our relationships with local communities are as harmonious as possible. To that extent, we will do all that we can to keep disturbance to an absolute minimum, while maintaining the training of the armed forces which is vital to their operational readiness. It is inevitable, however, that Somerset will see some proportion of military aircraft activity, including that of the Apache.

Low Flying

Adrian Flook: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many complaints about low-flying military aircraft have been made by (a) residents of the county of Somerset and (b) residents of Taunton Deane in each of the last five years.

Lewis Moonie: The information requested is set out in the table below for each of the last five training years running from 1 April to 31 March. The numbers quoted will include a small number of inquiries as well as complaints.
	
		
			 Training Year Complaints from residents of Somerset Complaints from residents of Taunton Deane 
		
		
			 1 April 1997–31 March 1998 241 36 
			 1 April 1998–31 March 1999 224 23 
			 1 April 1999–31 March 2000 236 37 
			 1 April 2000–31 March 2001 195 24 
			 1 April 2001–31 March 2002 230 26

Low Flying

Syd Rapson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the pattern of military low flying activity in the United Kingdom during training year 2001–02.

Lewis Moonie: The ability to fly fast and low continues to be an essential skill in our armoury of tactics. Training for aircrew to achieve and maintain these skills is vital.
	The amount of low flying training carried out in the UK Low Flying System (UKLFS) during the training year April 2001 to March 2002 was the minimum necessary for aircrew to reach and maintain these skills. Hours booked for low flying training in the UKLFS (excluding the Rotary Wing Dedicated User Areas, where different booking arrangements apply) during this period amounted to an overall increase of 8.7 per cent. compared to the previous training year. It is likely that there are a variety of reasons for this increase, such as preparation for operations, the return of Royal Air Force squadrons from Germany and low flying by the Eurofighter and Apache aircraft in preparation for their introduction into service. Since detailed records of hours booked began in 1995, the annual total has reduced by some 31 per cent.
	The distribution of low flying training across the UK has not changed significantly over previous years. It is spread as widely as practicable, but for a variety of reasons including population distribution, and geographic and climatic considerations, it is inevitable that some parts of the country will see more low flying than others.
	I have today placed in the Library of the House a report giving a detailed account of low flying training in the UK Low Flying System for the period April 2001 to March 2002.
	Further copies of the report can be obtained from the following address: Directorate of Air Staff, Ministry of Defence, Room 6/62, Metropole Building, Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BP or it can be viewed on the MOD's website: www.mod.uk/issues/lowflying.

Red Dragon Project

Syd Rapson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what capacity of fixed wing aircraft work will be required for the Red Dragon Project in the Defence Aviation Repair Agency; and from where a shortfall will be made up by rotary wing aircraft work.

Adam Ingram: Currently, there are 90 aircraft, on average, undergoing work in the St. Athan Fixed Wing Business Unit. Existing plans envisage Red Dragon project would cater for 48 fixed wing aircraft, and takes account of process improvements and future fleet reductions. Filling the facility will be dependent on the Defence Aviation Repair Agency successfully winning competitions for this work after the guaranteed order book expires in April 2004. There are no current plans to transfer rotary wing work to St. Athan.

War Graves

Parmjit Dhanda: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with (a) the British Embassy in Paris, (b) the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and (c) the French Government concerning the graves of soldiers killed at the Somme.

Lewis Moonie: I have had no recent discussions with the British embassy in Paris, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission or the French Government about war graves in the Somme. However, the embassy is maintaining close contacts with the French authorities who are involved with proposals for a third airport for Paris. Early indications had suggested this project might affect war grave cemeteries maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in the Chaulnes area of the Somme.
	The Ministry of Defence has had no further discussions on this subject since the new French Government made clear that it would be looking again, from first principles, at the need for a third airport in the Paris basin. We are monitoring this review process very closely; we do not expect an early conclusion to be reached.

Gurkha Soldiers

Vera Baird: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  if he will take steps to equalise the pensions paid to former Gurkha soldiers who served with the British forces with the pensions paid to other soldiers;
	(2)  what steps he will take to provide equality of terms and conditions of employment for the Gurkha soldiers serving with the British armed forces.

Adam Ingram: I refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Hereford (Mr. Keetch) on 7 May 2002, Official Report, columns 44–45W.

Royal Marines

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people joined the ranks of the Royal Marines in the past five years; what regions they were from; and how many of them are below the age of 17 years.

Adam Ingram: In the last five years a total of 219 officers and 5,379 other ranks (RMORs) have joined the Royal Marines, as follows.
	
		
			  Officers RMOR 
		
		
			 2001–02 61 1,159 
			 2000–01 41 1,117 
			 1999–2000 39 1,148 
			 1998–99 38 1,048 
			 1997–98 40 907 
		
	
	Details on the regions of origin are not recorded. We do however, record for RMORs only, a southern and northern split from the Humber to north Wales. The figures for these two areas are:
	Southern region: 2,906
	Northern region: 2,473.

Service Children's Education

Adrian Bailey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the key targets are for 2002–03 for the chief executive of Service Children's Education.

Lewis Moonie: The chief executive has been set the following Key Targets for 2002–03:
	Key Target 1—To meet the following percentage of pupils achieving Level 2 or above at the end of Key Stage 1 in:
	Reading: 90 per cent.
	Writing: 92 per cent.
	Spelling: 82 per cent.
	Mathematics: 95 per cent.
	Key Target 2—To meet the following percentage of pupils achieving Level 4 or above at the end of Key Stage 2 in:
	English: 78 per cent.
	Mathematics: 75 per cent.
	Science: 92 per cent.
	Key Target 3—To meet the following percentage of pupils achieving Level 5 or above at the end of Key Stage 3 in:
	English: 77 per cent.
	Mathematics: 78 per cent.
	Science: 76 per cent.
	Key Target 4—To maintain the following three-year rolling average percentage of Year 11 pupils in Service Children's Education (SCE) achieving five or more higher (A-C) grades in GCSE of 52 per cent.
	Key Target 5—To maintain the following three-year rolling average of subject entries achieving passes at grades A-C at 'A' Level of 64 per cent.
	Key Target 6—The following percentages of SCE schools are to achieve the grades stipulated below against the four attributes in Ofsted reports of:
	School climate: Grade 2 or above: 100 per cent.
	Standards; Quality; Management and Efficiency.
	Grade 3 or above: 100 per cent.
	Grade 2 or above: 85 per cent.
	Key Target 7—To respond in full to customers seeking education advice from SCE(UK) within the following time scales:
	93 per cent. within 10 working days of receipt.
	Remainder within 20 working days of receipt.
	Key Target 8—To develop 'value added' performance criteria for incorporation in Key Targets 1–5 for 2003 and beyond.
	Key Target 9—Demonstrate customer satisfaction with a survey result of:
	For Army Continuous Attitude Surveys: 69 per cent. satisfaction or more.

India

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the talks with India concerning (a) India's acquisition of spare parts and strategic equipment for Indian Air Force Jaguar ground- attack fighters, (b) the purchase of a British aircraft carrier and (c) conclusion of the Hawk-100 Advanced Jet Trainer deal.

Lewis Moonie: In accordance with his ministerial responsibilities, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has the opportunity to discuss a range of defence matters, including defence export opportunities, with Ministers and senior officials from the Government of India. The purchase of a British aircraft carrier has not been formally raised by the Indians.

SanEagle

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are to use the SanEagle for British reconnaissance missions; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: The SanEagle equipment is not part of our current reconnaissance inventory, and is not known to the Ministry of Defence.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Crown Prosecution Service

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Solicitor-General with reference to the proposal to introduce a system where, before trial, interviews of certain key witnesses are conducted by the prosecutor in a limited category of cases, what categories of cases are being considered; and what criteria were used to establish categories of cases.

Harriet Harman: holding answer 12 June 2002
	No such proposal has been made. The Attorney- General has asked the Director of Public Prosecutions, as part of his review of the handling of the Damilola Taylor murder trial, to consider whether the time has come to introduce a system where, before trial, interviews of certain key witnesses are conducted by the prosecutor in a limited category of cases. The Director is due to report to the Attorney-General later this year and an announcement will be made at that time.

Damilola Taylor Case

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Solicitor-General what the terms of reference are of the review being undertaken by the DPP in relation to the Damilola Taylor case.

Harriet Harman: holding answer 12 June 2002
	The DPP's review has the following terms of reference:
	To review the handling of the Damilola Taylor case, and in doing so,
	consider the implications for the conduct of future cases and to make recommendations;
	examine whether the time has come to introduce a system where, before trial, the prosecutor in a limited category of cases conducts interviews of certain witnesses.
	The DPP is expected to report by the end of August.

Criminal Justice and Trial Units

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Solicitor-General which of the co-located criminal justice and trial units are located within the court; and what assessment she has made of the benefits of co-locating criminal justice and trial units within the court complex.

Harriet Harman: holding answer 12 June 2002
	There are currently no co-located criminal justice units or trial units located in court accommodation. It follows that no assessment of the benefits of co-locating within the court complex has been made.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Competitive Tendering

Tim Collins: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on how many occasions in the last 12 months the requirement to engage in a competitive tendering process has been waived by her Department due to national security obligations under paragraph 6(h) of the supply regulations.

Elliot Morley: From information held centrally there have been no occasions in the last 12 months when the requirement to engage in a competitive tendering process has been waived by the Department due to national security obligations under paragraph 6(h) of the supply regulations.

Annual Leave

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average annual leave entitlement is for staff in her Department in 2002.

Elliot Morley: Following machinery of government changes and the creation of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, all staff outside the senior civil service were given an annual leave entitlement of 30 days from 1 August 2001. This was done as one of the first steps towards harmonising terms and conditions of service for the then ex-MAFF and ex-DETR staff who joined together to form the new Department.
	The annual leave entitlement for members of the senior civil service is currently set by Cabinet Office at 30 days.
	Staff working part-time or alternative working patterns are entitled to a proportional amount based on either the number of days or hours they work.
	Responsibility for leave matters within the Central Science Laboratory, the Veterinary Laboratories Agency and the Centre for Environmental Fisheries and Aquaculture Agency—all former MAFF Agencies—has been delegated to the Agency Chief Executives and I have asked them to reply direct. The Pesticides Safety Directorate, the Rural Payments Agency and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate Agencies are covered by the departmental response.
	Letter from Professor Mike Roberts to Mr. John Bercow, dated July 2002
	The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has asked me to reply, in respect of the Central Science Laboratory, to your question concerning annual leave entitlement in 2002.
	CSL staff outside the Senior Civil Service receive an annual leave allowance as follows:
	Staff with less than 10 years service: 25 days
	Staff with over 10 years service: 30 days
	Based on the above, the average annual leave entitlement for CSL staff in leave year 2002 is 26.5 days.
	Annual leave entitlement for members of the Senior Civil Service is currently set by the Cabinet Office at 30 days.
	Letter from Professor Steven Edwards to Mr. John Bercow, dated June 2002
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question on what the average annual leave entitlement is for staff in her Department in 2002.
	All VLA staff outside the Senior Civil Service are entitled to 25 days annual leave on appointment and 30 days when they have completed 10 years service. Staff working part-time or alternative working patterns are entitled to a proportional amount based on either the number of days or hours they work.
	Information about the average leave entitlement could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
	Letter from Mr. Greig-Smith to Mr. John Bercow, dated 4 July 2002
	The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has asked Agency Chief Executives to reply to your question concerning the average annual leave entitlement for their staff.
	Staff at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science have an annual leave allowance of 25 days on entry, rising to 30 days after 10 years service.

EU Directives

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the EU directives relating to her Department which have been (a) amended and (b) repealed in 2002.

Elliot Morley: In answer to part (a) the table lists directives adopted in 2002, for which DEFRA is the lead Department, which amend previously adopted directives alongside the numbers of the amended directives.
	In answer to part (b), the only directive to have been repealed in 2002 for which DEFRA is the lead Department is 1974/649/EEC (on marketing material for the vegetative propagation of vine). This was repealed by Directive 2002/11/EC.
	
		
			 Directive number Directive name Amending directive 
		
		
			 2002/48/EC Amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC to include Improvalicarb, Prosulfuron, and Sulfosulfuron as active substances 1991/414/EEC 
			 2002/42/EC Fixing of maximum levels of pesticide residue in cereals, foodstuffs of animal origins and certain products of plant origins Certain Annexes to 1986/362/EEC, 1986/363/EEC and 1990/642/EEC 
			 2002/37/EC Amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC to include Ethofumesate as an active 1991/414/EEC 
			 2002/36/EC Protective Measures against introductions of organisms harmful to plant or plant products Certain Annexes to 2000/29/EC 
			 2002/29/EC Certain protected zones exposed to particular plant health risks 2001/32/EC 
			 2002/28/EC Measures against the introduction of organisms harmful to plants Certain Annexes to 2000/29/EC 
			 2002/23/EC Maximum levels of pesticides residues Certain Annexes to 1986/362/EEC, 1986/363/EEC and 1990/642/EEC 
			 2002/18/EC Placing of plant protection products on the market isoproturon Annex 1 to 1991/414/EEC 
			 2002/11/EC Marketing of material for the vegetative propagation of vine 1968/193/EEC 
			 2002/8/EC Minimum conditions for examining vegetables and agricultural varieties 1972/168/EEC and 1972/180/EEC 
			 2002/5/EC Maximum levels for pesticides residues Annex II to 1990/642/EEC

Littering Offences

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total amount of fines levied against those prosecuted for littering offences in the United Kingdom was in each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: The total amount of fines levied with respect to Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued for littering offences in England in each of the last five years was:
	No data in 1996–97
	£16,505 in 1997–98
	£63,240 in 1998–99
	£39,075 in 1999–2000
	£28,475 in 2000–01.
	For those FPNs not paid within 14 days, offenders may then be prosecuted in a magistrates court up to a value of £2,500. Data for fines issued by a magistrates court show that during the year 1999 the total fine was £28,732, in addition to those listed. We do not hold data prior to, nor subsequent to 1999 for fines issued by magistrates courts for non-payment of fixed penalty notices.

Benthic Fauna

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment her Department has (a) made and (b) intends to make of the impact of (i) dredging and (ii) other marine activities on benthic fauna; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The Department does not regulate dredging but does provide advice to the Department of Transport and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on the effects of navigation and aggregate dredging respectively on the marine environment, including benthic fauna.
	With regard to other marine activities, the Department assesses the potential impact on benthic life of proposals which are the subject of applications for licences under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 to deposit substances or articles in the sea. This includes proposals to dispose of dredged material and for a wide range of marine construction activities.
	The Department is funding a programme of research on the effects of aggregate dredging, including the rate of recovery of benthic life after dredging has ceased. In addition the Department's Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science are involved in ongoing research on the impact of fishing activities on the seabed and on the wider marine environment.

0870 Telephone Numbers

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on using 0870 telephone numbers for inquiries by the public to the Department and its agencies.

Elliot Morley: DEFRA operates helpline numbers for people seeking information or assistance. Some of these services are free of charge but most use local rate call numbers with 0845 prefixes; however one, the Pets Travel Scheme Helpline, uses the prefix 0870.
	The decisions on which category of number to allocate are taken after assessing the cost effectiveness of each service in terms of meeting the needs of potential users while minimising expenditure.

Bovine TB

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what staff and resources were allocated in each year since 1999 towards the bovine TB problem in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Herefordshire and (d) Worcestershire.

Elliot Morley: The information requested on a county basis is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Expenditure by the State Veterinary Service (Field) on the bovine TB programme is shown in Table 1. This includes the cost of local and temporary veterinary inspectors but does not include compensation.
	
		Table 1: State Veterinary Service (field) expenditure on the bovine TB programme in England and Wales -- £
		
			Expenditure  
			   1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 
		
		
			 England 7,757,183 7,574,217 7,955,962 
			 Wales 920,011 1,472,469 1,240,032 
		
	
	The amount of compensation paid for cattle slaughtered to control bovine TB from 1999 to 2001 is shown in Table 2. Compensation figures are only readily available for Great Britain as a whole and are collated on a calendar year basis.
	
		Table 2: TB compensation in Great Britain -- £
		
			 Expenditure 
		
		
			 1999 5,770,983 
			 2000 7,307,797 
			 2001 7,074,125

Bovine TB

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of Central Science Laboratory research relating to badgers feeding in cattle troughs.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 3 July 2002
	The study by Central Science Laboratory and Sussex university showed that badgers frequently visited buildings on two farms in Gloucestershire, to exploit a range of food items. During some visits cattle feed was contaminated with badger faeces and badgers came into close direct contact with housed cattle. Given that there is a substantial body of circumstantial evidence implicating the badger in the transmission of bovine TB to cattle, such situations could potentially carry a high risk of infection. CSL will embark on a wider-scale DEFRA funded study later this year to investigate this phenomenon further.
	These findings emphasise the need for good biosecurity on farms and the need to minimise access of this kind from badgers.

Bovine TB

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many cattle were slaughtered after a positive TB test in each year since 1997.

Elliot Morley: The number of animals compulsorily slaughtered as TB reactors or as direct contacts is given in the table.
	
		Number of cattle compulsorily slaughtered as TB reactors or contacts in Great Britain
		
			   Number of animals slaughtered  
			  TB reactors(1) Contacts(2) Total(3) 
		
		
			 1997 3,213 456 3,669 
			 1998 4,958 926 5,884 
			 1999(4) 5,910 862 6,772 
			 2000(4) 7,031 1,322 8,353 
			 2001(4) 5,347 904 6,251 
		
	
	(1) Animals which gave a positive result (i.e. reacted) to the tuberculin test and were compulsorily slaughtered.
	(2) Animals which, under the terms of Directive 64/432 as amended, were considered to have been direct contacts exposed to TB and therefore compulsorily slaughtered.
	(3) Animals compulsorily slaughtered because they reacted to the tuberculin test of because they were considered to be direct contacts. Not all the animals will necessarily be confirmed as being infected with Mycobacterium bovis.
	(4) Provisional: data for 1999 onwards will remain provisional until all culture results are available and final data validation carried out.
	Source:
	DEFRA's Animal Health Database

Buildings Insurance

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost of buildings insurance to her Department was (a) before and (b) after 11 September 2001.

Elliot Morley: Departments are required to comply with the Government's general policy on insurance, which is set out in "Government Accounting", chapter 30, para 30.2.5, which notes that Government do not need to purchase insurance to protect the viability of its business, and should consider insurance only where the value of claims met would exceed the cost of insurance premiums. Commercial insurance of a building is acceptable in cases where (a) insurance is a condition of a lease (b) the lessor will not accept a Government indemnity (c) incurring the total cost of the accommodation in question, including the cost of the insurance, is more cost-effective than other accommodation options ("Government Accounting", para 30.2.11a).
	Commercial insurance is not usually payable in respect of leasehold properties where the Department is the sole occupier. In the case of leasehold property shared with other tenants, the cost of insurance is not always identified separately by our landlords. Furthermore, premiums are payable at different times of the year and our landlords may not have had to renew cover since 11 September 2001.
	It is not possible, therefore, to provide a precise assessment of the cost of commercial buildings insurance paid by the Department either before of after 11 September 2001. However, where insurance premiums have been separately charged this year, they have increased by between 3 per cent. and 90 per cent. It is impossible to say what proportion of these increases is due to the events of 11 September 2001.

Building Values

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the buildings owned by her Department and estimate the market value of each of them.

Elliot Morley: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 3 July 2002, Official Report, column 339W.

Contamination Risk

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the process by which her Department analyses risk from (a) crops and (b) animal feed contaminated with (i) industrial chemicals, (ii) pesticides and (iii) drugs.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 3 July 2002
	The Government undertake an extensive surveillance programme for pesticide residues. Priority is given to the surveillance of crops but some animal feed is also tested. A total of some 4,000 samples are analysed each year for a wide range of pesticides generating over 100,000 individual test results. The results for the testing programme are all published in the quarterly reports of the independent Pesticide Residues Committee (PRC) available on its website at www.pesticides.gov.uk/ committees/PRC/prc.htm
	A consumer risk assessment is conducted in relation to all residues which exceed a statutory maximum residue level or are otherwise of potential concern. The methodology used in these risk assessments and their outcomes are described in the PRC's reports.
	The methodology of risk assessment for residues in animal feeds is more complex. It assesses both the potential risk to the animal and the potential risk to humans consuming animal products from the animal. Ministers are advised on the aspects of risk assessment for pesticides by an independent expert committee, the Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP). Details of the committee are available from its website at www.pesticides.gov.uk/committees/acp/acp.htm
	While the VMD does not analyse feed for contamination with drugs, it does operate a surveillance programme for veterinary drug residues in animals and animal products. If residues are found in excess of specified limits, the cause is investigated.

Japanese Knotweed

Colin Pickthall: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her Department's policy is on controlling the spread of Japanese Knotweed.

Elliot Morley: Japanese Knotweed is a large, vigorous weed. It is a non-native introduction which appears to have no natural enemies in Britain. It is an offence under Section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) to plant or otherwise cause Japanese Knotweed to grow in the wild. There is no obligation on landowners to control Japanese Knotweed on their own land.
	The Department is currently undertaking a fundamental review of policy on invasive non-native species, with other Government Departments, industry and conservation bodies, considering the causes of, and problems arising from, the introduction and spread of non-native species.
	With regard to relevant research, I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Truro and St. Austell (Matthew Taylor) on 25 June 2002, Official Report, column 760W.

Temporary Staff

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many part- and full-time employees under contract from temping agencies work within her Department; and how much was spent on temporary staff (a) in total and (b) as a percentage of the total staffing budget in her Department and its predecessors for each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 5 July 2002
	The number of employees working under contract from temping agencies is not held centrally by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	The cost of staff employed under contract from temping agencies for each of the last five years is shown in the table. For the years 1997–98 to 2000–01, the amounts shown are for the former MAFF only. Costs relating to the parts of the former Department for Environment, Transport and the Regions that transferred to DEFRA could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			  Cost of temping agency staff (£) Percentage of total staff costs 
		
		
			 1997–98 995,205 n/a 
			 1998–99 1,468,559 1.03 
			 1999–2000 1,792,277 1.20 
			 2000–01 3,645,881 2.26 
			 2001–02 906,899 0.41

Forestry Commission

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reason the Forestry Commission is seeking a licence to fell trees on land at the rear of The Gables, West Moors Road, Ferndown.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 8 July 2002
	The Forestry Commission does not apply for felling licences, it issues them. In this particular case, the Commission received an application for a licence to fell trees with an aim to improve the management of the woodland area. The trees were subject to a tree preservation order, so the Commission consulted East Dorset district council who then raised an objection to the proposed felling. The application now therefore falls to be determined by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister under the terms of the tree preservation order. A hearing to consider the application is scheduled to take place on 23 July.

Welfare of Laying Hens Directive

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what (a) variations and (b) additions she plans to introduce when the EU Welfare of Laying Hens Directive is transposed into UK law.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 9 July 2002
	The EU Welfare of Laying Hens Directive has now been transposed into law in England by the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Amendment Regulations 2002. These Regulations came into force on 25 June.
	Our approach in drawing up these regulations was to implement the directive without adding to it or varying from it.

Welfare of Laying Hens Directive

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she will take to ensure that poultry farmers in the United Kingdom meet the same standards of animal welfare as other EU nations following the implementation of the EU Welfare of Laying Hens Directive.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 9 July 2002
	EU member states are responsible for bringing into force the necessary regulations to implement the EU Welfare of Laying Hens Directive and for communicating the main provisions of the national law to the commission.
	The EU commission is responsible for monitoring enforcement by member states.

Welfare of Laying Hens Directive

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to ensure that egg importers meet the same animal welfare standards as those set within the United Kingdom and across Europe under the forthcoming EU Welfare of Laying Hens Directive.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 9 July 200
	Current WTO rules prevent discrimination on the basis of production method and it is illegal under WTO rules to ban egg imports from countries which do not meet the same animal welfare standards as those produced in the EU.
	However, the EU has been successful in getting non-trade concerns, which include animal welfare, firmly written into the Doha development agenda.

Welfare of Laying Hens Directive

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the compliance cost to poultry farmers in meeting the EU Welfare of Laying Hens Directive in respect of (a) capital expenditure and (b) additional annual revenue implications.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 9 July 2002
	A regulatory impact assessment estimating compliance costs to poultry farmers in meeting the EU Welfare of Laying Hens Directive was produced following public consultation. This was laid before the House along with the Statutory Instrument to implement the directive.

Wood for Good Campaign

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  if she will make a statement regarding the Government's objectives for the Wood for Good campaign;
	(2)  what guidance her Department has provided on the Forestry Commission's Wood for Good website (a) to the public and businesses to help them ensure they do not buy wood which may have come from illegal or non- sustainable sources and (b) in the promotion of certified timber.

Elliot Morley: The Wood for Good campaign is sponsored by the Forestry Commission (the Government's Department for forestry throughout Great Britain), the Northern Ireland Forestry Service, the Nordic Timber Council, the UK Sawn Wood Promoters, the Timber Trade Federation and the Forestry and Timber Association. All sponsors are committed to sustainable forest management and they encourage independent certification. The Government support the campaign's objectives, which are to "increase the consumption of wood; change perceptions about wood; encourage its use in interior and exterior design, and building; to tackle issues surrounding the use of wood; and to encourage good practice in the industry". The Forestry Commission's own website, which links to the Wood for Good website, covers issues such as illegal and non-sustainable sources of timber, and on certification.

Wood for Good Campaign

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much funding the United Kingdom Government have allocated to the Forestry Commission in each year since 1997; and how much of this allocation the Forestry Commission has dedicated to the Wood for Good campaign in each of the years the campaign will be running.

Elliot Morley: The funds voted to the Forestry Commission each year since 1997 are given in the table.
	
		
			£000 
		
		
			 1997–98 England/Scotland/Wales and GB activities 52,426 
			 1998–99 England/Scotland/Wales and GB activities 51,325 
			 1999–2000 England/Scotland/Wales and GB activities (5)76,115 
			 2000–01 England/Wales and GB activities (6)80,165 
			 2001–02 England and GB activities 70,608 
			 2002–03 England and GB activities 59,793 
		
	
	(5) Scottish Parliament responsible for funding Forestry Commission activities in Scotland from 1 July 1999.
	(6) National Assembly for Wales responsible for funding Forestry Commission activities in Wales from 1 April 2001.
	The Forestry Commission's contribution to the Wood for Good campaign is £250,000 in 2000–01, £205,000 in 2001–02, £125,000 in 2002–03 and £125,000 in 2003–04.

Camelid Movements

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she intends to amend the current rules on camelid movements; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: Orders made today will simplify the current rules on livestock movements from 31 July. Camelids (including llamas) and zoo animals will no longer require movement licences or be subject to biosecurity requirements for livestock shows and sales. In addition, sheep dipping, tagging and scanning will no longer require a licence. The rules for multiple pick-ups and multiple drop-offs of livestock will also be simplified.

Graffiti

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what action (a) has been taken and (b) is planned by her Department to tackle problems of graffiti; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what advertising campaigns (a) have taken place and (b) are planned by (i) her Department, (ii) the Environment Agency and (iii) other Government bodies in relation to tackling problems from graffiti; how much these have cost; what assessment has been made of their effect; and if she will make a statement;
	(3)  what (a) advice and guidance has been given by her Department and (b) legislation is in place with relation to tackling problems of graffiti; and if she will make a statement.

John Denham: I have been asked to reply.
	Tackling graffiti requires action by several Government Departments. It is one of the subjects that is being addressed in the cross cutting review on Improving Public Spaces.
	Writing graffiti is an offence under the Criminal Damage Act 1971. Where criminal proceedings are not appropriate it can also be dealt with through a number of measures designed to address anti-social behaviour, including anti-social behaviour orders.
	Neighbourhood wardens programmes and proposals for community safety officers will also help to reduce yobbish behaviour, such as graffiti writing. Crime and Disorder Partnerships are also working with local communities to tackle graffiti.
	I understand that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has not undertaken any advertising campaigns that are specific to graffiti.

Sand and Gravel Extraction

Huw Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement about her policy with regard to inshore sand and gravel excavation; and whether environmentally sensitive areas will be protected.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to answer.
	There is no UK-wide policy on sand extraction.
	Guidance on sand and gravel extraction from above mean low water in England is set out within Minerals Policy Guidance Notes 6 (MPG6) and 15 (MPG15). Draft revised national estimates of demand, and indicative regional forecasts of supply, of construction aggregates within England for the period to 2016 will be published for public consultation during the summer. Consideration will be given to review of the policies in MPG6 and MPG15 during 2003.
	Proposed Government Policy for sand and gravel dredging from below mean low water in English waters was set out in Draft Marine Minerals Guidance Note 2: Guidance on the Extraction of Sand, Gravel and Other Minerals from the Seabed. This was published for public consultation in February 2001. It is intended that final guidance for English waters will be published within the next few weeks.
	Policy and guidance on sand extraction in Wales is a matter for the Welsh Assembly Government.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

UN Children's Fund

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support her Department is giving to the UN Children's Fund in addressing child rights in its programmes.

Clare Short: My Department is collaborating with UNICEF to assist in building its capacity to apply human rights approaches to all areas of its programming. The current programme began in early 2000 and runs until the end of 2003 at an overall cost of about £3.78 million. The work includes:
	the development of guidance and training materials;
	human resource development;
	documentation, assessment, monitoring and dissemination of experiences;
	developing indicators for monitoring;
	strengthening regional capacities;
	strengthening the rights-based approach to integrated management of childhood illness.
	We also contribute to this objective through a range of partnerships with UNICEF regional programmes. The goal is to ensure promotion and facilitation of sustained poverty reduction for children and women, particularly those from excluded families, communities and groups.

Structural Reforms

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent analysis the World bank and IMF have sent to her Department of the poverty and social impact of structural reforms supported by their programmes in poor countries; in how many instances the impact has been found to be negative; and what mitigating measures the World bank and IMF have agreed to in order to support in such instances.

Clare Short: Over recent months the British Government have pressed both the World bank and IMF for a timetable of poverty and social impact analysis (PSIA), setting out the policy reforms that need to be analysed and who will support countries to do the analysis. We welcome the commitment of both institutions to PSIA. We have also supported PSIA pilots in six countries in order to demonstrate how it can be carried out.
	Of the 35 IMF Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF)-supported programmes considered by the IMF Board between 1 July 2000 and 30 September 2001, IMF staff papers show that roughly 60 per cent. include some form of PSIA—though only around a third of PRGF-supported programmes had full studies undertaken to assess the effects of specific policies ('formal' PSIA).
	Figures are not available on the number of instances in which PSIA has shown IMF structural reforms to have been negative. However around two thirds of PRGF- supported programmes over the period included some measures aimed to offset potentially adverse short-term effects of either macroeconomic reforms, structural reforms or exogenous shocks on the poor. There is also evidence of PSIA influencing the design of economic policies. Examples include Uganda, where plans to liberalise the sugar industry were changed; Senegal, where 15–20 per cent. diesel and kerosene subsidies were maintained rather than eliminated; and Cambodia, where large-scale retrenchment of civil servants was delayed until safety nets for retrenchees could be put in place.
	The World bank have made similar commitments to use PSIA in their Poverty Reduction Support Credits. The British Government see all these documents, given our membership of the World Bank Board. IMF and World bank reviews of PRGFs and Poverty Reduction Strategies respectively contain further information on PSIA. These can be found at www.imf.org and www.wordbank.org.

Africa

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much aid in real terms the Government have given to (a) Africa and (b) Zimbabwe over the last five years.

Clare Short: The UK has given the following amounts to Zimbabwe and Africa, in current and constant prices, over the last five financial years.
	
		GPEX(7) in Zimbabwe and Africa in current and constant 2000–01 prices -- £ thousand
		
			  Africa Zimbabwe 
		
		
			 Current prices   
			 1996–97 445,153 21,007 
			 1997–98 450,324 13,715 
			 1998–99 575,036 29,394 
			 1999–2000 634,760 17,363 
			 2000–01 778,369 14,716 
			
			 Constant prices   
			 1996–97 493,600 23,294 
			 1997–98 484,386 14,753 
			 1998–99 601,994 30,772 
			 1999–2000 648,814 17,747 
			 2000–01 778,369 14,716 
		
	
	(7) GPEX is expenditure by all official UK sources ie Government Departments and public bodies on development assistance in aid recipient countries.

HIV/AIDS

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the developing countries which are in receipt of support from her Department to assist in the treatment of prevention from HIV/AIDS.

Clare Short: My Department is supporting HIV/ AIDS-related programmes in:
	Azerbaijan, Republic of
	Bangladesh
	Bolivia
	Botswana
	Brazil
	Burkina Faso
	Burma
	Cambodia
	Caribbean regional
	Central Africa regional
	Central America regional
	Chile
	China
	Colombia
	Cuba
	Ecuador
	Ethiopia
	Gambia, the
	Ghana
	Guatemala
	Haiti
	Honduras
	India
	Iran
	Kazakhstan, Republic of
	Kenya
	Latin America regional
	Lesotho
	Liberia
	Madagascar
	Mali
	Malawi
	Mexico
	Mongolia
	Montserrat
	Mozambique
	Namibia
	Nepal
	Nicaragua
	Niger
	Nigeria
	Pakistan
	Peru
	Philippines
	Russian Federation
	Rwanda
	Senegal
	Serbia and Montenegro
	Sierra Leone
	Somali Democratic Republic
	South Africa, Republic of
	southern Africa regional
	Sri Lanka
	Sudan
	Swaziland
	Tanzania
	Togo
	Uganda
	Ukraine
	Vietnam
	West Bank and Gaza
	Zambia
	Zimbabwe.

HIV/AIDS

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to help bring down the cost of anti-retroviral drugs for those suffering from HIV/AIDS in developing countries.

Clare Short: The UK's Working Group on Access to Medicines, which I chair, is looking at options for bringing about widespread, sustainable and predictable differential pricing of essential medicines, so that such medicines can be made available to the world's poor at affordable prices. The group's final meeting is on 25 July, after which it will report back to the Prime Minister. Differential pricing could apply to anti-retrovirals, which are now on the World Health Organisation's (WHO) essential drug list. We are encouraging key partners—pharmaceutical industry, developing countries, donors and international organisations—to play their part in making widespread differential pricing a reality.
	The Government recognise that affordability is only one of four key factors that WHO has identified as influencing access to medicines. There is also a need for sustainable financing, the rational selection and use of existing drugs, and reliable health and supply systems.
	On sustainable financing, we have pledged $200 million over five years to the Global Fund to Fight TB, AIDS and Malaria (GFATM). We have also committed over £1 billion, since 1997, to strengthening developing countries health systems, building their capacity both to deliver medicines to the poor and to make effective choices about the selection and use of drugs.

HIV/AIDS

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what measures her Department is taking to (a) help with humanitarian aid and (b) educate people in areas with a high risk of AIDS.

Clare Short: The purpose of DFID humanitarian assistance policy is to save lives and relieve suffering; hasten recovery, and protect and rebuild livelihoods and communities; and reduce risks and vulnerability to future crises. The poor, and those whose vulnerability is increased due to disease, such as HIV/AIDS, are disproportionately affected by disasters and conflict. For example, in southern Africa, a serious drought has led to food shortages, which have stretched the coping capacity of the poorest families, many of whom are already suffering from having one or more of their family with HIV/AIDS. I have recently allocated £45 million to support the most vulnerable people in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho and Swaziland.
	My Department supports comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention programmes tailored to local needs and situations. These can include interventions such as condoms, harm reduction, educating youth and safe needle exchange programmes. As part of DFID's HIV/ AIDS strategy, we have identified a focus on working with the most vulnerable groups in the society, which often include women, commercial sex workers, injecting drug users and men who have sex with men. Education leading to behavioural change is a central element of our strategy towards fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It forms the basis for any prevention, treatment and intervention programme.

Public Service Agreements

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many and what proportion of the public service agreements of her Department set out in the document, "Public Services for the Future 1998", have been met; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: My Department's 1999–2002 public service agreement (PSA) set 13 outcome targets of which eight were met, three were not updated due to lack of data, and two were not met. It also set 26 productivity targets, of which five were not met.
	Full details of progress against the 1999–2002 PSA can be found in DFID's 2002 departmental report.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Victims of Terrorist Violence

Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the Government's policies on the support given to victims of terrorist violence in Northern Ireland.

Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent policy initiatives he has undertaken regarding the treatment of victims of terrorist violence.

John Reid: This Government were the first to acknowledge the needs of all the victims of the troubles; this remains a priority. Since 1998 the Government have allocated over £18.25 million to victims' initiatives.

Police Service

Helen Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to consolidate public support for the new Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Jane Kennedy: Together with the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Policing Board we are working to bring about a new beginning to policing. The Policing Board, with nationalist participation, has an extensive range of powers to hold the police to account. The 50:50 recruitment campaign has produced a strong cross- community response, with 35 per cent. of applications coming from Catholics. There are around 350 new recruits who have completed or who are now in training.
	Later this year, District Policing Partnerships will be established. They will have a significant role in increasing local accountability and will provide a forum for the police to work more closely with the community they serve.
	The Government believe that, in the light of the enormous changes made to date, all parts of the community should support the police.

Police Service

Martin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on commitments given to Sinn Fein on further reform of the police service of Northern Ireland.

Jane Kennedy: The only commitments we have made on further reform of policing are those set out in the updated implementation plan which was issued to all Northern Ireland political parties and placed in the Library of the House in August last year.
	A review is currently under way after which the Government will bring forward legislation to reflect further the Patten recommendations. All Northern Ireland political parties have been invited to contribute.

Decommissioning

Clive Soley: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the decommissioning of illegally held weapons in Northern Ireland.

Jane Kennedy: The Government have consistently called for decommissioning from all paramilitary organisations. We have had two acts of decommissioning from the IRA. That must be the start of a process. It is imperative that we now see reciprocation from loyalists, so that all groups are committed to the normal political process in resolving its problems, and thereby creating a better Northern Ireland.

Decommissioning

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent progress has been made towards decommissioning.

Jane Kennedy: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush (Mr. Soley).

Implementation Group

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the recent meeting of the implementation group; and what the implications are for the future of the devolved institutions.

John Reid: At the implementation group on 26 June, and the meetings of the Northern Ireland parties with the Prime Minister and Taoiseach on 4 July, participants recognised the Belfast Agreement had brought great gains; but also that continuing violence and signs of paramilitary activity threaten community confidence. The Government agreed to reflect further on how best to address concerns about the necessary transition from violence to democracy. Before Parliament rises we will set out how we believe the necessary sense of confidence—which underpins the Agreement and the devolved institutions—can be restored.

Bill of Rights

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.

John Reid: The Belfast Agreement tasked the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission with consulting and advising on the scope for defining, in Westminster legislation, rights supplementary to those in the European Convention on Human Rights and to reflect the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland.
	The Commission published a consultation document, "Making a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland", in September 2001 and is currently considering the responses it has received to that document.
	The Government will reach no policy conclusions on the proposals until the final advice is received from the Commission. This advice is expected in 2003.

Community Safety Partnerships

David Trimble: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what role he plans for voluntary and community organisations in the proposed community safety partnerships.

John Reid: Community Safety Partnerships are made up of the statutory organisations responsible for the delivery of services at a local level. The Partnership should engage with voluntary and community organisations to identify issues of concern at a local level and develop collaborative ways of tackling these issues. The Partnership should determine how best to interface with the voluntary and community sector.

Organised Crime

Colin Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what strategic issues are being considered by the organised crime task force; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: On 23 May, the Secretary of State launched the second annual organised crime task force (OCTF) threat assessment and strategy.
	The OCTF's strategy for countering the threat sets priority stress for concerted multi-agency action by the OCTF partners. These are extortion, drugs, oils-related fraud, tobacco and alcohol duty evasion, money- laundering, counterfeit goods and armed robbery.
	In the year, the OCTF, which I chair, will keep a watching brief on emerging and new organised crime trends. The OCTF strategy also explains how we will measure and report on the overall impact we are having on organised crime in Northern Ireland.

Organised Crime

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the areas of criminality in which organised crime networks are involved in Northern Ireland.

Jane Kennedy: On 23 May, the Secretary of State launched the second annual Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) threat assessment and strategy.
	The OCTF threat assessment shows that organised criminals engage in a wide range of criminal activities in Northern Ireland. These include: trade in illegal drugs; extortion; tobacco and alcohol smuggling and duty evasion; oils fraud; counterfeit goods; money laundering; counterfeit currency; organised vehicle theft; armed robbery and hijacking; abuse of social security payments; illegal livestock trade; evasion of tax and VAT; various financial frauds; identity fraud; motor vehicle licensing fraud; hi-tech crime; illegal immigration; and prostitution.
	In the year, the OCTF, which I chair, will keep a watching brief on emerging and new organised crime trends. The OCTF strategy also explains how we will measure and report on the overall impact we are having on organised crime in Northern Ireland.

Organised Crime

Linda Gilroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action is being taken to tackle counterfeiting operations by organised crime gangs.

Jane Kennedy: On 23 May, the Secretary of State launched the second annual Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) threat assessment and strategy.
	Recognising the adverse impact of the counterfeit goods trade on the Northern Ireland business community and on society more generally, the OCTF has made this crime a priority for concerted multi-agency action by the OCTF partners.
	There have been some significant operational successes in the last year. The police are doing excellent work every week to tackle the trade in counterfeit goods. At the last OCTF meeting, a strategy prepared by PSNI for tackling the counterfeit goods trade was agreed. The strategy includes raising awareness of the wider harm caused by this illicit trade, understanding better the reasons why people purchase such goods, working with the business community to address those reasons, and considering whether the existing legislation is sufficient.

Terrorist Activity

Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the level of illegal activities by terrorist organisations in Northern Ireland.

Jane Kennedy: The table provides details of the level of paramilitary activity from both sides during the last year.
	
		Security situation statistics: 29 June 2001–28 June 2002
		
			  By Loyalists By Republicans 
		
		
			 Number of deaths as a result of the security situation 9 4 
			 Number of shooting incidents 209 115 
			 Number of bombing incidents 271 52 
			 Number of casualties as a result of paramilitary style assaults 81 36 
			 Number of casualties as a result of paramilitary style shootings 110 66 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Includes all deaths due to the security situation.
	2. The following types of incidents are included: shots fired by terrorists; shots fired by the security forces; paramilitary-style attacks involving shootings; shots heard (and later confirmed); other violent incidents where shots are fired (e.g. armed robberies).
	3. An individual bombing incident may involve one or more explosive devices. Incidents recorded include explosions and defusings. Incidents involving hoax devices, petrol bombings or incendiaries are excluded.
	N.B. 2002–03 statistics are provisional and may be subject to minor amendment.

Terrorist Activity

Andrew Robathan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the levels of terrorist activity in the Province.

Jane Kennedy: We keep the security situation under constant review. The Secretary of State receives regular advice from the Acting Chief Constable, the GOC and his security advisers. The Acting Chief Constable is on record as saying that he believes that paramilitaries on both sides have been involved in orchestrating the recent street violence in Belfast. This is a worrying development.

Marching Season

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his assessment is of the potential for disorder during this summer's marching season.

Jane Kennedy: The vast majority of parades held this year have passed off peacefully. In relation to a small number of particularly contentious parades which have taken place, some disorder did occur but was quickly contained by the security forces. In the event of public disorder, the security forces have appropriate contingency measures in place to ensure the determination of the Parades Commission is upheld.

Belfast Agreement

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent assessment he has made of the confidence of the Unionist community in the Belfast agreement; and if he will make a statement.

John Reid: As the Prime Minister said at Hillsborough on 4 July, we recognise there is a lack of confidence in Northern Ireland, especially in the unionist community, about the process of transition away from violence to exclusively peaceful and democratic methods. We shall set out, before Parliament rises, how we believe the necessary confidence can be restored.

Loyalist Commission

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the role of the Loyalist Commission.

John Reid: It is not for me to define the role of the Loyalist Commission. That is something for members of the Commission itself. I can say that I welcomed the statement issued by the Commission on 14 June 2002 which contained guidelines on reducing the tension and violence experienced by both communities over recent weeks and months. This was a positive step and I would urge everyone to give this initiative their most careful consideration, and act accordingly.
	I also had a frank and useful exchange of views with members of the Commission on 1 July.

Politics (Violent Incidents)

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the number of politically related incidents of violence involving weapons, indicating the organisations and individuals responsible, in the last three months.

Jane Kennedy: It is not possible to answer the question in the format requested. However, the table shows the number of security-related incidents during the last three months.
	
		Security situation statistics 1 April to 28 June 2002
		
			  By Loyalists By Republicans 
		
		
			 Number of deaths as a result of the security situation — 1 
			 Number of shooting incidents 42 31 
			 Number of bombing incidents 51 10 
			 Number of casualties as a result of paramilitary- style assaults 24 12 
			 Number of casualties as a result of paramilitary- style shootings 21 12 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Includes all deaths due to the security situation.
	2. The following types of incidents are included: shots fired by terrorists; shots fired by the security forces; paramilitary-style attacks involving shootings; shots heard (and later confirmed); other violent incidents where shots are fired (e.g. armed robberies).
	3. An individual bombing incident may involve one or more explosive devices. Incidents recorded include explosions and defusings. Incidents involving hoax devices, petrol bombings or incendiaries are excluded.
	N.B. 2002–03 statistics are provisional and may be subject to minor amendment.

Smuggling

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress made in tackling smuggling in Northern Ireland.

Jane Kennedy: On 23 May, the Secretary of State launched the second annual Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) threat assessment and strategy.
	There have been some tremendous operations against smuggling. Since 1 April 2001 over 63 million smuggled cigarettes have been seized by Customs in Northern Ireland. The latest available figures show that deliveries of legal oils products to Northern Ireland have risen by seven per cent. in the last 12 months, the first time in five years.
	However, the Government believe that oils related fraud remains at an unacceptably high level and is considering options for further initiatives to counter road fuel duty evasion and the associated problems in Northern Ireland.

Smuggling

Kali Mountford: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in tackling smuggling in Northern Ireland.

Jane Kennedy: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Preston (Mr. Hendrick), ref. 65820.

Smuggling

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress the Police Service of Northern Ireland has made this year in combating the illegal trade in fuel.

Jane Kennedy: On 23 May, the Secretary of State launched the second annual Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) threat assessment and strategy.
	Oils related fraud continues to be a major problem, although there is evidence that the position has stabilized and slightly improved. The latest available figures show that deliveries of legal product to Northern Ireland have risen by seven per cent. in the last 12 months, for the first time in five years.
	There were some major operational successes in the previous year. In December, a major multi-agency cross border operation, in which PSNI played an important role, was undertaken during which 31 premises were searched. Nine people were charged in connection with the evasion of road fuel excise duty and money laundering offences.

Prison Service (Equality Training)

Andrew Stunell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of staff in the Northern Ireland Prison Service have taken part in equality training.

Jane Kennedy: The Northern Ireland Prison Service has provided 98 per cent. of staff with equality awareness briefings. The remaining 2 per cent. is made up of staff on long-term sick/maternity leave or career breaks and are not available to receive such training.

Electoral Identity Cards

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made with the introduction of electoral identity cards in Northern Ireland.

John Reid: The Electoral Office is currently exploring options available for the design and form of the electoral identity card. The Chief Electoral Officer intends to advertise for prospective contractors by early August.
	A question will be included on this year's annual canvass form asking electors if they require an electoral identity card. This will enable the CEO to target his efforts and resources towards those people who require one. The card will be issued after the publication of the new electoral register on 1 December this year.

Community Safety

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the progress made with community safety awareness seminars held in preparation for a draft community strategy.

John Reid: Nine awareness seminars took place between October 2001 and April 2002. Seminars were offered to all council areas and 22 participated. A total of 262 individuals attended representing statutory, voluntary and community organisations. The discussion at the seminars provided a valuable contribution to the development of the draft Community Safety Strategy.

Policing

Malcolm Savidge: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in developing a new approach to policing in Northern Ireland.

Jane Kennedy: Together with the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Policing Board, we are laying the foundations of a new beginning to policing. There have been significant structural changes: we have a Policing Board with nationalist participation and broad powers to hold police to account. And there has been an excellent cross-community response to recruitment under new 50:50 provisions with 35 per cent. of applications coming from Catholics and around 350 new recruits now in training. There have also been other major changes: policing with the community is now the statutory core function of the Police Service; a major programme of action is under way to focus policing in Northern Ireland on a human rights based approach.
	Looking ahead, the process of establishing District Policing Partnerships has been launched, which will increase accountability at the local level and bring the police still closer to the community they serve.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Clarence House

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the annual running cost to public funds of Clarence House was in the last five years; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: holding answer 3 July 2002
	The annual maintenance costs met from the Property Services grant-in-aid for Clarence House over the last five years are as follows:
	
		
			  £000 
		
		
			 1997–98 (cash) 423,769 
			 1998–99 (Cash) 446,376 
			 1999–2000 (Accruals) 386,639 
			 2000–01 (Accruals) 307,098 
			 2001–02 (Accruals) 160,776

National Museums

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many (a) full-time and (b) part-time employees there were in each of the past seven years in each national museum; and how many of these were over the normal age of retirement.

Kim Howells: The number of full-time and part-time employees at the museums and galleries sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is set out in the table below, other than for the Tate Gallery, National Museum of Science and Industry and National Museums & Galleries on Merseyside. My right hon. and noble Friend the Ministers for the Arts will write to the hon. Member as soon as this information is available, placing copies of her letter in the Libraries of both Houses. Information on the number of staff over the normal retirement age could be made available only at disproportionate cost.
	
		Natural History Museum
		
			 Year Number of full-time staff Number of part-time staff 
		
		
			 2001–02 736 154 
			 2000–01 718 145 
			 1999–00 720 128 
			 1998–99 737 113 
			 1997–98 721 122 
			 1996–97 730 72 
			 1995–96 710 77 
			  Victoria and Albert Museum 
			 2001–02 525 77 
			 2000–01 504 81 
			 1999–00 609 79 
			 1998–99 619 77 
			 1997–98 613 74 
			 1996–97 642 82 
			 1995–96 633 90 
			  British Museum 
			 2001–02 965 90 
			 2000–01 824 86 
			 1999–00 883 88 
			 1998–99 925 88 
			 1997–98 977 72 
			 1996–97 1024 70 
			 1995–96 1022 90 
			  National Maritime Museum 
			 2001–02 318 82 
			 2000–01 336 93 
			 1999–00 347 74 
			 1998–99 295 46 
			 1997–98 294 39 
			 1996–97 297 46 
			 1995–96 299 44 
			  Horniman Museum and Gardens 
			 2001–02 68 28 
			 2000–01 53 18 
			 1999–00 55 19 
			 1998–99 (8)8.45 — 
			 1997–98 (8)82 — 
			 1996–97 (8)77.8 — 
			 1995–96 (8)79.5 — 
			  Imperial War Museum 
			 2001–02 485 63 
			 2000–01 449 55 
			 1999–00 412 54 
			 1998–99 402 54 
			 1997–98 393 54 
			 1996–97 390 54 
			 1995–96 394 54 
			  Geffrye Museum 
			 2001–02 24 15 
			 2000–01 25 17 
			 1999–00 30 10 
			 1998–99 32 9 
			 1997–98 23 5 
			 1996–97 23 5 
			 1995–96 21 7 
			  Museum of Science and Industry Manchester 
			 2001–02 92 17 
			 2000–01 87 21 
			 1999–00 81 23 
			 1998–99 85 21 
			 1997–98 89 19 
			 1996–97 84 16 
			 1995–96 97 16 
			  Sir John Soane's Museum 
			 2001–02 17 6 
			 2000–01 17 6 
			 1999–00 17 6 
			 1998–99 17 6 
			 1997–98 17 6 
			 1996–97 17 6 
			 1995–96 17 6 
			  Museum of London 
			 2001–02 281 44 
			 2000–01 326 47 
			 1999–00 320 34 
			 1998–99 328 22 
			 1997–98 277 24 
			 1996–97 314 27 
			 1995–96 332 21 
			  National Portrait Gallery 
			 2001–02 155 18 
			 2000–01 (8)172 — 
			 1999–00 (8)152 — 
			 1998–99 (8)148 — 
			 1997–98 (8)130 — 
			 1996–97 (8)137 — 
			 1995–96 (8)141 — 
			  National Gallery 
			 2001–02 404 95 
			 2000–01 418 84 
			 1999–00 414 52 
			 1998–99 409 42 
			 1997–98 399 28 
			 1996–97 410 23 
			 1995–96 427 19 
			  Tyne and Wear Museums 
			 2001–02 170 42 
			 2000–01 167 42 
			 1999–00 164 45 
			 1998–99 155 37 
			 1997–98 152 39 
			 1996–97 145 31 
			 1995–96 138 29 
			  Wallace Collection 
			 2001–02 71 8 
			 2000–01 68 7 
			 1999–00 66 7 
			 1998–99 65 6 
			 1997–98 64 5 
			 1996–97 65 5 
			 1995–96 64 5 
			  Royal Armouries 
			 2001–02 155 32 
			 2000–01 145 35 
			 1999–00 147 30 
			 1998–99 (8)— — 
			 1997–98 (8)— — 
			 1996–97 (8)— — 
			 1995–96 (8)— — 
			 National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside 
			 2001–02 462 138 
			 2000–01 (9)— — 
			 1999–00 (9)— — 
			 1998–99 (9)— — 
			 1997–98 (9)— — 
			 1996–97 (9)— — 
		
	
	(8) Staff includes part-time staff.
	(9) My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for the Arts will write to the hon. Member as soon as the information is available.

National Museums

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what her Department's policy is on retirement age in national museums.

Kim Howells: The retirement age policy for national museums sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is a matter for the museums concerned.

BBC

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received on alternative sources of revenue for the BBC to the licence fee; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: Representations about alternative methods of funding the BBC are not recorded separately from other representations about television licensing received by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. In the year from April 2001 to March 2002, the Department replied to 272 letters from Members of Parliament and 611 letters from members of the public about television licensing issues, a minority of which related to alternative funding methods.

Tourism

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what her expenditure has been on the promotion of tourism in Britain in the last 12 months.

Kim Howells: The British Tourist Authority (BTA) promotes Britain overseas as a tourist destination. Its baseline funding was £35.5 million in 2001–02 and is £35.5 million in 2002–03. In addition, the BTA received £14.2 million from the reserve in 2001–02 to combat the impact of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease and in 2002–03 the Government committed up to £20 million from the reserve for the "Million Visitor" tourism recovery campaign, to be matched by contributions from the industry in cash and in kind.
	Baseline funding for English tourism rose from £10 million in 2001–02 to £12 million this year. The English Tourism Council has also been awarded funds for e-tourism projects: an award of £0.9 million was made in 2001 from the Capital Modernisation Fund and £3.6 million in 2002 from the Invest to Save Budget.
	The promotion of tourism within Scotland and Wales is a matter for the devolved Administrations.

Television Technology (Disabled Access)

Roger Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  if she will make it her policy to pursue harmonising measures at EU level to ensure that future generations of set top boxes and digital TVs (a) have a second sound channel built in and (b) support other key access features for blind, partially-sighted and other disabled people;
	(2)  if she will make it her policy to approve the use of general conditions at an early stage to require digital TV operators to supply blind and partially-sighted customers with set top boxes which are capable of receiving audio description and which support accessible electronic programme guides at no extra cost.

Kim Howells: The Government have no plans to pursue such harmonising measures with the EU. The design features and production of set top boxes are matters for the manufacturers to decide. However, we have launched a joint consultation with the DTI to examine how integrated digital television sets will help achieve switch over. We are seeking comments on what conditions should apply to digital decoders in order to ensure that consumers with disabilities can get all the benefits of digital television. This will inform our future policy decisions on digital television.

Obesity

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she last met the Secretary of State for Health to discuss the role of sport in tackling the problem of obesity.

Richard Caborn: holding answer 8 July 2002
	My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport has not met the Secretary of State for Health formally to discuss obesity, but is involved in the health inequalities cross cutting review discussions chaired by the Department of Health.
	I chair monthly cross-governmental ministerial meetings, attended by Ministers from the Department of Health, where issues relating to sports policy are discussed, including sport and physical activity initiatives which have a role in combating obesity. The last meeting was held on 2 July.
	My Department accepts that physical activity has an important role to play in combating the prevalence of obesity. We are committed to increasing the number and quality of opportunities for participation in sport and physical activity by all sectors of the community and especially for pupils in schools, and we are working closely with Department of Health and Department for Education and Skills to help achieve this objective.

Sport

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action the Government are taking to encourage local authorities to recognise the role that sports can play in society.

Richard Caborn: Local authorities are key providers of sport and recreation and play a central role in the delivery of sport for local communities. The Government has taken significant action to encourage local authorities to recognise the important role that sport can play in society. These measures include forging successful partnerships with local authorities through Sport England to deliver a number of key sports programmes such as 'Active Sports' (which helps children and young people achieve more from their sport, delivered at local level by local authorities, sports clubs, education services, schools and governing bodies of sport), and 'Active Communities' (which involves working closely with local authorities and other partners in the community to increase life long participation in sport and to promote the improvement in the delivery of local sporting opportunities and services for the community).
	Sport England has also published "The Value of Sport"—a major advocacy tool to help local authorities to respond in a positive way to the Government's Best Value and Modernising initiatives. The document responds to the challenge of 'Why invest in sport?', and highlights the key role of the public sector in enabling and providing sport at the local level. It actively champions the benefits and contribution that sport can make to the broader local authority policy agenda, including health, education, social inclusion, community safety, community regeneration, the economy and the environment.
	The Government's Beacon Council Scheme aims to raise standards of local authority services by a programme designed to spread best practice. Beacon Council status recognises councils which are excellent in a particular service or cross cutting area and have good performance across the board. The scheme requires Beacon Councils to share best practice with other councils through a national co-ordinated programme of events. In 2001 the Beacon Council Scheme identified four successful councils excelling in Regeneration through Culture, Sport and Tourism, which were Knowsley, Sunderland, Gateshead, and Nottingham. These successful authorities will use their position as Beacon Councils to promote and share best practice with other authorities. My Department is also encouraging local authorities to develop Local Cultural Strategies by the end of 2002. These strategies will help local authorities express their own cultural visions and priorities in response to the needs and aspirations of local communities. They will provide a strategic overview, recognising the role of cultural services, such as sport, in tackling the wider objectives of social inclusion, regeneration, life long learning, and creating healthier and safer communities. Cultural Strategies will help local authorities to ensure equity and access for everyone to cultural activities.

TRANSPORT

Marine Regulatory Body

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to establish a marine regulatory body.

John Spellar: None. The Department's Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which was established in 1988 on the merger of the Marine Safety and Coastguard Agencies, is the UK maritime regulatory body.

Fishing Vessels (Accidents)

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many collisions have taken place between EU- flagged fishing vessels and local vessels where the former is operated under third-party waters access agreements in the last five years; what analysis has been made of the effects of those agreements on the mortality rates of local fishermen; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: There is no requirement for a EU-flagged fishing vessel operating under third country agreements to notify the UK when it is involved in a collision. UK registered fishing vessels are required to report accidents to the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch. The reports do not require information on whether the vessel is operating under third country agreements. We therefore do not have these figures.

Pilotage Act

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what contraventions of the Pilotage Act 1987 there have been in the Humber estuary in the last five years.

John Spellar: This information is not held centrally.

Pilotage Act

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which body will determine the competence of a competent harbour authority under the terms of the Pilotage Act 1987; and what criteria this body will apply.

John Spellar: Competent harbour authorities are those which met the criteria in section 1 of the Pilotage Act 1987. These harbour authorities are obliged under section 2 of the Act to keep under consideration certain general duties as to the provision of pilotage services.

Pilotage Act

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times a ship's authorised pilot has debarked inside a compulsory pilotage district in the last five years.

John Spellar: The Department does not hold this information.

Provincial Airports

David Atkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement of security arrangements in the handling of passengers' baggage in provincial airports in the European Union following the events of 11 September 2001.

David Jamieson: International standards for aviation security are set down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and, within Europe, by the European Civil Aviation Conference. Responsibility for the implementation of those standards, which apply to all airports handling relevant flights, including provincial airports, rests with the appropriate states. The UK has a programme in place to meet international standards. In addition, the UK has a programme of security measures for UK airlines to follow when operating overseas to supplement the host states' requirements.
	Following the events of 11 September, legislation is before the European Parliament to strengthen aviation security standards throughout the EU, including a requirement to screen all hold baggage by 31 December 2003. In the UK, hold baggage on international flights has been screened since 1998. Screening of cabin baggage has been in place in the UK and throughout Europe for many years.

Birmingham Northern Relief Road

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress of construction of the Birmingham northern relief road.

David Jamieson: The construction of the M6 toll motorway, formerly known as the Birmingham northern relief road, is the responsibility of the concessionaire, Midland Expressway Ltd. The road is on programme for opening early in 2004.

Road Accidents

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the percentage of the elderly involved in road accidents in the last available year; and what plans the Government have to reduce these numbers.

David Jamieson: Information is not available about the total number or percentage of elderly people involved in road injury accidents. However, a provisional estimate for 2001 is that around 10 per cent. of those killed or injured in road accidents in Great Britain were aged 60 or over.
	The Government has set out a wide range of proposals for reducing road traffic casualties significantly by 2010, including casualties among the elderly, in the Road Safety Strategy document, "Tomorrow's Roads—Safer For Everyone", copies of which are in the Libraries of the House.

Road Accidents

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received on road accidents, with specific reference to the elderly.

David Jamieson: My right hon. Friend receives many representations about all aspects of road accidents, some of which relate to elderly road users.

Road Accidents

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road accidents there were in each region; and what was the regional total as a percentage of the total, in each of the last five years.

David Jamieson: The numbers of personal injury road accidents in each region are shown in the table:
	
		Injury road accidents by region: Great Britain 1997–2001(10)
		
			  Year of accident  
			 Government office regions  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 
		
		
			 London 38,836 38,258 38,368 37,691 36,741 
			 South East 33,858 33,350 33,047 32,915 32,270 
			 North West 31,967 31,937 30,993 30,917 29,298 
			 Eastern 22,341 22,288 21,788 22,375 21,926 
			 West Midlands 21,570 20,879 21,099 21,391 21,112 
			 Yorkshire & Humberside 21,164 21,591 21,152 20,674 20,326 
			 South West 18,093 18,395 18,629 18,188 18,760 
			 East Midlands 16,665 16,987 16,552 16,563 16,089 
			 North East 8,915 8,700 8,223 8,367 8,136 
			   
			 England 213,409 212,385 209,851 209,081 204,658 
			 Scotland 16,628 16,512 15,304 15,099 14,668 
			 Wales 10,250 10,026 9,893 9,549 9,499 
			   
			 Great Britain 240,287 238,923 235,048 233,729 228,825 
		
	
	(10) Figures for 2001 are provisional
	The percentage of personal injury road accidents in each region are shown in the table.
	
		Percentage of injury road accidents by region: Great Britain 1997–2001(11)
		
			   Year of accident  
			 Government office region 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001(11) 
		
		
			 London 16 16 16 16 16 
			 South East 14 14 14 14 14 
			 North West 13 13 13 13 13 
			 Eastern 9 9 9 10 10 
			 West Midlands 9 9 9 9 9 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside 9 9 9 9 9 
			 South West 8 8 8 8 8 
			 East Midlands 7 7 7 7 7 
			 North East 4 4 3 4 4 
			   
			 England 89 89 89 89 89 
			 Scotland 7 7 7 6 6 
			 Wales 4 4 4 4 4 
			   
			 Great Britain 100 100 100 100 100 
		
	
	(11) Figures for 2001 are provisional

Road Accidents

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in what proportion of (a) road accidents and (b) fatal road accidents excess speed was identified as a major factor on (i) all roads and (ii) minor single- carriageway roads in each year since 1982.

David Jamieson: The effect of excess speed on accident causation has been extensively researched based on accident data taken from a number of sources including national road accident statistics. The overall conclusion is that excessive speed, is a contributory factor in about one third of all accidents.
	Specific information about particular roads is not held centrally but reference to TRL Report 421 "The effects of drivers' speed on the frequency of road accidents" published in 2000 and TRL Report 511 "The relationship between speed and accidents on rural single-carriageway roads", published in 2002 would provide a fuller explanation of the effects of excess speed on accident causation. Copies of both reports are available in the Library of the House.

Road User Charging

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will ask the Highways Agency to start work on developing a policy for road user charging for inter-urban motorway and trunk roads.

David Jamieson: There are no plans to do so.

Road Traffic Forecasts

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research and work has been conducted (a) by and (b) for his Department in relation to the revision of targets under the national road traffic forecasts; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: The Department publishes forecasts, but not targets, for road traffic. The Department has been conducting and commissioning work to improve its modelling capabilities, with the aim of developing from the National Road Traffic Forecasting framework a fully multi-modal approach, as announced in the 10 Year Plan for Transport. This work continues.

Road Noise

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to reduce road noise levels.

David Jamieson: The Government's proposals for reducing the noise levels near the strategic network of English trunk roads, including motorways, were published in the 10 Year Plan for Transport. These include a commitment that over 60 per cent. of the network, including all lengths having concrete surfaces, will be resurfaced with quieter materials by the end of the plan period. All proposals for new or improved trunk roads will include the use of quieter surfacing. In addition, other noise reducing measures will be provided in the most serious and pressing cases where there is no early prospect of the road being resurfaced. Priority in such cases will be given to roads where there are severe effects on adjacent properties and no such measures were provided when they were built or last improved.

Variable Speed Limits

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the roads covered by variable speed limits, sub-divided by road classification, indicating the total length of these roads in each case; what plans there are to change the length of roads covered by variable speed limits; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: Local highways authorities are responsible for setting speed limits on their roads, and the roads on which particular limits apply are a matter for local decision. This information is not held centrally.

Bus Services

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 1 July 2002, Official Report, column 105W, on bus punctuality, what information he collates on the punctuality of buses; and if he will provide such statistics for the last six years.

David Jamieson: Bus punctuality information is not collected or collated by the Department centrally. However, Bus Compliance Officers employed by Vehicle Inspectorate survey the performance of bus operators in each Traffic Commission Area where a complaint has been made about an operator's bus services. Traffic Commissioners have set operators a target of running 95 per cent. of registered bus services within a six minute 'window of tolerance'—no more than one minute early or five minutes late.
	Transport for London (TfL) monitors punctuality on the London bus routes operated under contract to London Buses. Results are published on the TfL web site: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/service_performance.shtml

Lord Birt

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on Lord Birt's role regarding transport policy.

David Jamieson: The position remains as set out in the answer given by right hon. Friend the Member for Tyneside, North (Mr. Byers) on 21 January 2002, Official Report, column 568W.

Regulatory Impact Unit

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many members of his Department have been employed in its regulatory impact unit in the past five years; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: The new Departmental Regulatory Impact Unit was established in October 2001 and it works for both the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Department for Transport.
	Figures for earlier years are not comparable with the current baseline due to the different policy responsibilities. The resource position for 1997–2001 were parts of a Grade 7, SEO, EO and AO.
	1997–98 (1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998) = 4
	1998–99 (1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999) = 4
	1999–2000 (1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001) = 4
	2001–02 (1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002) = 4 staff, 2 full time, 2 job share.
	It is the job of Departmental Regulatory Impact Units to establish and promote the principles of good regulation in their Departments. The staff in each unit work closely with the officials responsible for developing policies within their Department and the Regulatory Impact Unit within the Cabinet Office. They focus on those regulations that impact on business, charities, and the voluntary sector.

Public Service Agreements

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many and what proportion of the public service agreements of his Department set out in the document "Public Services for the Future", 1998 have been met; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: Information relating to my Department's Public Service Agreements targets can be found in DTLR's annual report 2002.

Gas Explosion, Newton Heath

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of the TRANSCO health and safety official report into the gas explosion in Newton Heath, Manchester on 17 November 2001.

David Jamieson: Yes. Arrangements are in hand to provide a copy of the report to the Library of the House.

Public Safety Zones

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what decisions he has reached about his proposed circular to local authorities for use in considering applications for development within public safety zones; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: Since the issue of the draft circular for consultation in 1999 my Department has held extensive discussions with local planning authority and airport representatives, and we are grateful for their assistance in refining our proposals. We are today publishing the definitive version of the circular for application in England.
	Meanwhile, following a recent improvement and updating of their model, the Department's consultants have remodelled the risk around the airports which already have public safety zones. In the light of that work the Department is today notifying the English local planning authorities and airports concerned of the grid co-ordinates of redefined public safety zones. In addition, in the light of the modelling work now completed, we are establishing public safety zones for Sheffield city airport, as previously anticipated, and for Cambridge and Norwich airports. We shall establish public safety zones at other airports for which modelling work suggests that this would be justified.

Large Stadiums

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on the provision of transport infrastructure to large stadiums.

David Jamieson: The Government's integrated transport policy is set out in the White Paper "A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone", published in July 1998 and underlines the need for the planning of developments to be closely linked with the consideration of transport priorities and investment.
	Our Planning Policy Guidance note 13 on Transport (PPG13) of March 2001 requires that development comprising jobs, shopping, leisure and services should offer a realistic choice of access by public transport, walking and cycling. It also sets a national maximum parking standard of one space per 15 seats at stadiums with 1,500 or more seats.

Devolution

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Advisory Committee on Measures to be Taken in the Event of a Crisis in the Market in the Carriage of Goods by Road and Laying Down the Conditions under which Non-resident Carriers may Operate National Road Haulage Services within a Member State is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: No date has been set for a meeting of the committee nor do we expect it to meet in the foreseeable future. The remit of the committee is to advise the Commission on measures proposed to deal with a serious disturbance of the national transport market due to either international haulage or cabotage. As no member state has ever reported such a disturbance to the Commission, the committee has not been convened.
	In the event of it being convened, officials from my Department would represent the UK on the committee as policy responsibility on the functioning of the single market in road haulage is a reserved matter. However, my officials would consult the Scottish Executive on agenda items in which it might have an interest in accordance with our Concordat with the devolved Administrations.

Devolution

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Advisory Committee for the Harmonisation and Comparability of the Accounting and Annual Accounts of Railway Undertakings is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) on 16 May 2002, Official Report, column 791W.

Devolution

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Advisory Committee on Access for Community Air Carriers to Intra-Community Air Routes is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: The Advisory Committee on Access for Community Air Carriers to Intra-Community Air Routes, established under the provisions of Article 11 of regulation (EEC) 2408–92, meets only on an ad-hoc basis and no future meeting is currently scheduled. Since regulation of aviation and air transport is a reserved matter, officials from my Department represent the UK on the committee. However, my officials would consult the Scottish Executive on agenda items in which it might have an interest in accordance with our Concordat with the devolved Administrations.

Devolution

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Advisory Committee for the Application of Legislation on the Conditions under which Non-resident Carriers may Operate National Road Passenger Transport Services within a Member State is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: No date has been set for a meeting of the committee nor do we expect it to meet in the foreseeable future. The remit of the committee is to advise the Commission on measures intended to resolve a serious disturbance of the internal passenger transport market due to cabotage. As no member state has ever reported such a disturbance to the Commission, the committee has not been convened.
	In the event of it being convened, officials from my Department would represent the UK on the committee as policy responsibility for road passenger transport cabotage is a reserved matter. However, my officials would consult the Scottish Executive on agenda items in which it might have an interest in accordance with our Concordat with the devolved Administrations.

Devolution

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Committee for a transparent system of harmonised rules for restrictions on heavy goods vehicles involved in international transport on designated roads is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: No such Committee exists. In May 1998 the European Commission published a proposal for a Council Directive on a transparent system of rules for driving restrictions on heavy goods vehicles involved in international transport on designated roads. The proposal made provision for an advisory Committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the Commission. The proposed Directive was never adopted.

Devolution

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Advisory Committee for the application of uniform principles on costing for railway undertakings is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: The Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2183–78 of 19 September 1978 which established this Committee is no longer in force. The Committee has not met in recent years.

Devolution

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Committee on implementation of Protocol 9 to the Act of Accession of Austria concerning transport by road and rail and combined transport (Ecopoints) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: The Committee is next due to meet on 18 July. Officials from my Department represent the UK on the Committee as policy responsibility for the implementation of Protocol 9 to the Austrian Act of Accession is a reserved matter. However, my officials consult the Scottish Executive on agenda items in which it might have an interest in accordance with our Concordat with the Devolved Administrations.

Devolution

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Community-Switzerland Transport Committee (rail and road) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: The inaugural meeting of the EU–Switzerland Transport Committee was held on 5 July. No date has yet been fixed for the next meeting of this Committee. Officials from my Department represent the UK on the Committee as policy responsibility for the EU—Switzerland Agreement is a reserved matter. However, my officials consult the Scottish Executive on agenda items in which it might have an interest in accordance with our Concordat with the Devolved Administrations.

Devolution

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU Advisory Committee for the application of legislation on the development of the Community railways is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: No date has yet been fixed for the next meeting of the Developing European Railways Committee but we expect it to be held in December. Officials from my Department represent the UK on the Committee as policy responsibility for the development of railways is a reserved matter. However, my officials consult the Scottish Executive on agenda items in which it might have an interest in accordance with our Concordat with the devolved Administrations.

East Thames River Crossings

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the east Thames river crossings that (a) have been completed in the last two years and (b) are under construction, giving the expected opening date, and (c) are being considered.

David Jamieson: No new east Thames river crossings have been completed in the last two years. A tunnel between Thurrock and Swanscombe is to be constructed as part of the channel tunnel rail link and is due to be completed by 2007.
	Cross London Rail Links Ltd. (CLRL), a joint venture between Transport for London and the Strategic Rail Authority, is currently consulting on two options for a crossrail crossing between Canary Wharf and Woolwich (via the Royal Docks or Greenwich Peninsula/Charlton). The Mayor and TfL are also considering three possible river crossing schemes. They are as follows:
	an extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Woolwich;
	a bridge to the east of the Royal Docks, which would incorporate dedicated lanes for public transport;
	a road bridge or tunnel between north Greenwich and Silvertown.
	My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport is not considering any proposals for other new crossings at this time.

Public Transport (Customer Satisfaction)

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library the most recent statistics relating to customer satisfaction on the (a) DLR, (b) Tyne and Wear Metro, (c) Manchester Metrolink, (d) South Yorkshire Supertram, (e) Midland Metro and (f) Croydon Tramlink, with the source for each data set used.

David Jamieson: Information for (a) DLR, (b) Tyne and Wear Metro, (c) Manchester Metrolink, (e) Midland Metro and (f) Croydon Tramlink has been placed in the Libraries of the House. Information on customer satisfaction is not available for the South Yorkshire Supertram.

State Aid Rules

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what date he expects to receive a response from the European Commission with regard to whether (a) the money and (b) the guarantees being provided by the Government are acceptable under state aid rules.

David Jamieson: holding answer 2 July 2002
	We expect their decision in due course.

Potters Bar Rail Accident

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he plans to take following the Health and Safety report of 4 July into the Potters Bar rail accident; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: holding answer 9 July 2002
	The HSE report of 4 July, copies of which are in the Libraries of the House, was a progress report on their continuing investigation into the accident. The report made a number of recommendations. The HSE will monitor the implementation of those recommendations. Railtrack's chief executive is drawing up plans to improve the way that contractors' work is managed and monitored, and Network Rail will take this forward if they replace Railtrack.

Rail Services (South-West)

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has for improving rural rail services in the south-west region.

David Jamieson: The Strategic Rail Authority's (SRA) Strategic Plan sets out its short, medium and longer-term priorities, including a number of improvements to enhance rail services in the south-west. There is also funding available from the Rail Passenger Partnership scheme and Rail Performance Fund for regional and local initiatives.

Croydon Tramlink

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the Croydon Tramlink to have smartcard ticketing; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: This is a matter for the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL).
	Further information can be obtained from:
	Charles Monheim
	Director of Ticketing
	Transport for London
	Windsor House
	42–50 Victoria Street
	London SW1H 0TL.

London Bridge Railway Station

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the daily capacity of London Bridge railway station was in each of the last three years.

David Jamieson: "Capacity" has several definitions. For instance, it could mean the number of potential services, trains or passengers that could pass through the station, or simply the station size. The average number of national rail passengers passing through or disembarking at London Bridge station on weekdays during the morning peak (0700–1000) in each of the last three years is:
	1999: 123,677
	2000: 129,078
	2001: 123,721.

Special Purpose Vehicle

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the first special purpose vehicle for the railways to be completed.

David Jamieson: I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Bath (Mr. Foster) on 9 July 2002, Official Report, column 807W.

Railway Industry

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the occasions on which he (a) has met and (b) plans to meet the (i) Chairman of the Strategic Railway Authority and (ii) Rail Regulator, stating for each occasion the purpose of the meeting.

David Jamieson: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport has met both the Chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority and the Rail Regulator since taking up this post, to discuss a wide range of issues relating to their work. He, and other departmental Ministers, will continue to do so as and when appropriate.

Strategic Rail Authority

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the status is of the SRA's accounts in relation to the accounting for departmental spending.

David Jamieson: The Strategic Rail Authority is an executive non-departmental public body, whose accounts are not consolidated into the Department's accounts. Any grants paid by the Department to the authority are treated as programme expenditure in the Department's own accounts.

Strategic Rail Authority

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what existing loans and related liabilities the SRA has on its balance sheet; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: The balance sheet of the SRA was set out on page 87 of its 2000–01 annual report and will be updated in its 2001–02 annual report to be published shortly.

Strategic Rail Authority

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the powers he has over the management of the Strategic Rail Authority.

David Jamieson: The statutory relationship between the Secretary of State and the Strategic Rail Authority is set out in the Transport Act 2000, the Railways Act 1993 and associated documentation, including directions and guidance from the Secretary of State and the SRA's Financial Framework.

Network Rail

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the rights of commercial lenders to exercise repayment rights by the SRA, will be determined; and what guidance he has given to Network Rail about these rights.

David Jamieson: The rights of the commercial lenders are determined through commercially confidential loan agreements as and when they are entered into by the lenders and Network Rail. Details of the SRA standby support facilities are set out in commercial agreements between the SRA and Network Rail. It is not for the Secretary of State to give guidance to Network Rail on these matters.

Network Rail

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the Government have sought state aid clearance for the sums paid to Network Rail in order to establish the company and meet its initial costs prior to the completion of the takeover of the assets of Railtrack plc.

David Jamieson: No sums have been paid by Government to Network Rail Ltd. Individuals and advisers are engaged by Government to secure that a bid for Railtrack plc by a company limited by guarantee is taken through to completion. This does not constitute a state aid.

Network Rail

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the estimates of the total revenues for Network Rail for each of the next five years that he used in assessing the viability of the proposal to securitise revenues described in paragraph 12 of the Minute to Parliament.

David Jamieson: Network Rail's revenues will continue to receive the revenues determined by the regulator's October 2000 Periodic Review and the April 2001 agreement between Railtrack and Government, reflecting the amendments noted in the regulator's statement of 27 June 2002.

Network Rail

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he proposes to amend the Financial Framework of the Strategic Rail Authority as provided for in paragraph 16 of Schedule 14 of the Transport Act 2000 following the issuing of the Minutes to Parliament and the House.

David Jamieson: The Financial Framework is reviewed regularly and may also be amended or augmented between reviews.

Network Rail

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he applied to the European Commission for state aid approval for the (a) £300 million capital grant to Network Rail, Holdco Limited, (b) provision of £9 billion guarantee to Network Rail by the SRA, (c) provision of £10 billion of contingent funding for Network Rail, and (d) CTRL project.

David Jamieson: holding answer 3 July 2002
	The financial support package which the Government has agreed to make available to Network Rail if it completes the acquisition of Railtrack plc was notified to the European Commission on 31 May 2002. That notification covered all of the elements of the funding set out in the two Minutes which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State laid before the House on 27 June 2002, and also the associated acquisitions of Railtrack Group's interests in the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.

Network Rail

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in what circumstances commercial lenders will have the right to exercise the option described in note 2 on page 5 of the Network Rail Minute to Parliament.

David Jamieson: Commercial lenders of the bridge facilities have the right to require the SRA to purchase all amounts due to them from Network Rail Group in the event of the SRA defaulting on any obligation to make the standby loans available to Network Rail.

Network Rail

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the future income streams that will be securitised, as described in paragraph 12 of the Minute to Parliament.

David Jamieson: This is a matter for Network Rail.

Network Rail

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what total amount of state aid approval sought by the Government are for (a) financial and (b) other support to Network Rail.

David Jamieson: The details of the notification made to the European Commission in respect of the support which the Government has agreed to make available to Network Rail if it successfully completes the acquisition of Railtrack plc are confidential. However, the contingent liabilities which the Government would incur as a result of this support are set out in the two Minutes which were laid before the House by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 27 June 2002. These contingent liabilities are covered by the notification to the European Commission.

Network Rail

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if Network Rail will be required to repay the loan facilities to finance legacy costs on 30 September 2004.

David Jamieson: The repayment schedule for commercial loans to finance legacy costs will be determined through commercial loan agreements as and when they are required.

Network Rail

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of Network Rail's future revenues he estimates will be securitised, as described in paragraph 12 of the Minute to Parliament.

David Jamieson: This is a matter for Network Rail.

Network Rail

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the other sums referred to in line 7 of paragraph 13 of the Network Rail Minute to Parliament.

David Jamieson: "Other sums" refers to additional amounts that may be payable that are customary in facilities of this type, such as break costs. Break costs are costs which may be incurred if (i) the loan is prepaid (ii) an interest period is shortened by virtue of the prepayment and (iii) lenders are adversely affected. It is not possible to quantify these amounts in advance as they would depend on circumstances at the time, for example the level of interest rates.

Network Rail

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the total value is of the tax indemnity outlined in paragraphs 24 and 25 of the Network Rail Minute to the House.

David Jamieson: Government has been advised that Railtrack Group should be able to take advantage of the exemptions referred to in paragraph 25 of the Minute. This would ensure that, in all likelihood, Railtrack Group incurs no tax liability as a result of the Railtrack plc disposal.

Network Rail

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the financing and funding of (a) RenewCo and (b) Network Rail for the purposes of what constitutes public expenditure under the assessment used by the Office for National Statistics.

David Jamieson: The Office for National Statistics takes independent decisions in matters concerning the classification, preparation and publication of statistics. ONS decisions are consistent with the principles of the international statistical manuals, European System of Accounts 1995 (ESA95) and the system of National Accounts 1993 (SNA93) and supporting manuals and case law.
	On 5 October 2001 the Department was informed that the ONS had determined that Railtrack's scheme for a new special purpose vehicle—RenewCo—would be classified in the public sector, if set up as proposed. On 27 June 2002 the ONS announced that Network Rail would be classified as a private sector corporation once its board has been ratified by its membership and on 5 July, it announced that Network Rail's borrowing will be classified as private sector borrowing in the national accounts.

Network Rail

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what role his Department will play in selecting a representative of the Strategic Rail Authority to sit on the board of Network Rail.

David Jamieson: The Strategic Rail Authority will decide whom to select.

Network Rail

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the Government would allow the SRA to exceed the borrowing limit outlined in paragraph eight, sub-paragraph six of Schedule 14 of the Transport Act 2000 in order to meet its liabilities as outlined in paragraph 21 of the Network Rail Minute to the House.

David Jamieson: The provision of any funds necessary to meet the SRA's financial obligations would be made by way of grant under paragraph 7 of schedule 14 of the Transport Act 2000 or by permitting the SRA to borrow in accordance with paragraph 8 of that schedule. Whether, and the extent to which, the SRA would be allowed to borrow would be determined at the time. The SRA's borrowing could not exceed £3 billion without this limit being extended by statutory instrument, a draft of which had been approved by the House of Commons.

Network Rail

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what commitments the SRA has made for the future grant scheme to Network Rail, as described in paragraph 14 of the Minute to Parliament; and for what amounts.

David Jamieson: The SRA have committed to provide Network Rail with grants to remunerate legacy costs incurred in the period 1 April 2001 to 30 September 2004, up to a cap of £5 billion, to the extent they are not recognised in an interim review. The regulator set out his proposed approach to an interim review in his statement of 27 June.

Network Rail

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the Government have made a financial provision for the potential additional costs arising from an increased settlement to Network Rail resulting from an interim review by the Rail Regulator.

David Jamieson: While the legacy of Railtrack and its cost overruns creates potential additional costs, the Government expects Network Rail to operate more efficiently than Railtrack with lower financing costs and a re-investment of operating surpluses back into the network. We cannot anticipate the outcome of the proposed interim review that would take all of these factors into account.

Network Rail

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list outputs to be specified by Railtrack's successor, as negotiated by the SRA, in exchange for the provision of the funding package to Railtrack's successor.

David Jamieson: holding answer 9 July 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to paragraph 18 of the Regulator's statement of 27 June.
	The SRA and Network Rail have entered into various agreements in relation to the financial support and output and enhancement obligations, all operating alongside the existing regulatory arrangements. In particular, the outputs will be developed further through Network Rail's business planning process.

Network Rail

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the guidance issued to the SRA by the Office for National Statistics in relation to the structure of the funding package for Network Rail.

David Jamieson: holding answer 9 July 2002
	No guidance was issued to the Strategic Rail Authority by the Office for National Statistics.

London Underground

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the methodology behind the Department's estimates of capacity on each London Underground line.

David Jamieson: holding answer 8 July 2002
	My Department does not make estimates of capacity of London Underground lines.

London Underground

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many non-operational (a) lifts and (b) escalators there are on the London Underground Network; at which stations they are found; and what the estimated resulting loss in station capacity is in each case.

David Jamieson: holding answer 8 July 2002
	This is an operational matter for London Underground (LU) who have provided the information in the table detailing non-operational (a) lifts and (b) escalators, as at 28 June 2002. I understand that LU do not make estimates of the loss of station capacity in such cases.
	
		(a) London Underground—escalators out of service as at 28 June 2002
		
			 Station Number of machines out of service 
		
		
			 Baker Street 1 
			 Bank 2 
			 Bethnal Green 1 
			 Bond Street 1 
			 Embankment 1 
			 Euston 1 
			 Green Park 1 
			 Heathrow 1, 2, 3 1 
			 Holborn 1 
			 Kentish Town 1 
			 Kilburn Park 1 
			 Kings Cross 1 
			 Knightsbridge 1 
			 Liverpool Street 2 
			 Maida Vale 1 
			 Notting Hill Gate 2 
			 Old Street 1 
			 Piccadilly Circus 1 
			  
			 Total 21 
		
	
	
		(b) London Underground—lifts out of service as at 28 June 2002
		
			 Station Number of machines out of service 
		
		
			 Elephant and Castle 2 
			 North Greenwich 1 
			 Russell Square 1 
			 Stratford 1 
			 West Ham 1 
			  
			 Total 6 
		
	
	Note:
	The number of lifts and escalators not in service can vary from hour to hour in the case of short-term faults.

Northern Line

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the maximum number of people allowed (a) on each platform and (b) in each station is for each station on the Northern Line, as determined by health and safety limits.

David Jamieson: holding answer 8 July 2002
	London Underground inform me that there is no formal limit on the number of customers allowed on each platform. They monitor closely the numbers of customers in stations and on platforms and take appropriate action to ensure their safety.

Merseyrail

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the franchising process for Merseyrail; and what progress has been made.

David Jamieson: The refranchising process for Merseyrail Electrics is currently being run jointly by the Strategic Rail Authority and Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive. Six bidders successfully prequalified for the competition. Initial bids are due on 12 July.

Merseyrail

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on rolling stock replacement on Merseyrail.

David Jamieson: Proposals for rolling stock replacement on the Merseyrail Electrics network will be considered as part of the franchise/local concession replacement process currently under way.

Railtrack

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what tax liability Railtrack Group will incur as a result of the Railtrack plc disposal announced on 27 June.

David Jamieson: holding answer 2 July 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to paragraph 25 of the minute in relation to non-statutory contingent liabilities in support of Network Rail Limited which the Secretary of State laid before the House of Commons on 27 June.

Speeding Offences

Peter Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many motorists in Lancashire and Burnley have been charged with speeding in a 30-mile-per-hour speed limit in the last 12 months.

John Denham: I have been asked to reply.
	Information on numbers of persons charged with an offence is not collated centrally. The data available centrally on prosecutions and fixed penalties issued for speeding offences are not broken down according to the speed limits that have been broken.

PRIME MINISTER

Departmental Changes

Eric Pickles: To ask the Prime Minister what estimate he has made of the cost of replacing the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Department of Transport; and if he will make a statement.

Tony Blair: The new Departments will share the provision previously made for the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions. No additional funds have been made available in the current year as a result of the machinery of government change.

Nuclear Power Programme (Russia)

Llew Smith: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 1 July 2002, Official Report, column 21, on G7 nuclear management aid for Russia, how much of the $750 million commitment by the United Kingdom will be spent on the conversion of surplus military plutonium into MOX nuclear fuel for Russia's nuclear power programme.

Tony Blair: The figure includes the commitment of £70 million over 10 years, which I announced at the G8 Okinawa summit in 2000, in support of the US/Russian agreement on secure disposition of plutonium no longer required for defence purposes.

Parliamentary Questions

Norman Baker: To ask the Prime Minister 
	(1)  whether special advisers are permitted to amend draft answers to written parliamentary questions prepared by civil servants in order to add a political dimension;
	(2)  if he will describe the stages in the administrative process followed in his Office following the receipt of a written parliamentary question prior to the final answer being provided to the hon. Member.

Tony Blair: As far as I am aware my Office follows the same administrative process for written parliamentary questions as used by my predecessors.
	My parliamentary section identifies the questions from the Order Paper tabled to me. The section will then draft answers in consultation with other Downing Street staff, including special advisers, or commission answers from other Departments as appropriate. They are cleared by a senior civil servant and then sent to me for approval.
	All answers are provided in accordance with the Ministerial Code, the Civil Service Code and the Special Adviser Code of Conduct.

Sellafield

Norman Baker: To ask the Prime Minister how many representations he has received since 1 January 2001 regarding Sellafield; and what steps he has taken as a consequence.

Tony Blair: Since January 2001 I have received over 187,000 letters and cards, including a very large number of pre-printed postcards as a result of a campaign organised in Ireland in April and May 2002. I have also had discussions with the Prime Ministers of Norway and Ireland about Sellafield issues.
	The hon. Member will be aware that the Government published a White Paper on 4 July 2002 setting out our plans for dealing with the UK's nuclear legacy including the operation and clean-up of the Sellafield site.

Summits

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 3 July 2002, Official Report, column 330W, on summits, for what reason it was not possible for him to state the budget for the trip to the G8 summit in June and the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in March.

Tony Blair: A detailed list of Cabinet Ministers' visits overseas, and information on spend by all Ministers on travel overseas for the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 will be published as soon as possible. The list for the period 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003 will be published after the end of the current financial year.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Secondary Schools

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what organisations delivering and resourcing personal, social and health education in secondary schools receive funding from central Government sources; and how much was given to each in the last year for which figures are available.

David Miliband: The Department for Education and Skills funds a number of organisations to support the delivery of PSHE in schools. In 2002–03, the following funding has been allocated:
	The National Children's Bureau (including the Drug Education and Sex Education Forum), to promote good practice—£245,250
	The Personal Finance Education Group, to support financial literacy—£10,000
	The National Health Education Group, to support a network for PSHE practitioners—£14,000
	Child Accident Prevention Trust, to support Child Safety Week—£17,000
	BRAKE, to support Road Safety Week—£10,000
	Drug Education Practitioner's Forum, to support the professional needs of drug education workers—£11,150
	Jointly with the Department of Health, the Drug Education and Prevention Team at DrugScope/Alcohol Concern to promote good practice—£106,300.
	Funding is not provided directly for the production of classroom resources.

Medical Schools

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what capital is being made available to the new medical schools for research laboratories and equipment.

Margaret Hodge: The Higher Education Funding Council for England issues capital grants to higher education institutions including those with medical schools, which are used for a number of purposes. The Department of Health has provided additional NHS research and development funding to the NHS Trusts associated with some of the new medical schools to facilitate the development of the research infrastructure in those localities.

Schools (Somerset)

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many schools in Somerset provide up to two hours of sport and physical education each week.

Stephen Twigg: The Government are committed to all children having two hours of high quality physical education (PE) and school sport a week, within and outside the curriculum. The Specialist Sports College and the School Sport Co-ordinator programmes are helping schools make that a reality. From September 1.8 million pupils will be benefiting from the School Sport Co-ordinator programme within 142 partnerships with nearly 750 co-ordinators and over 3500 primary or special school link teachers.
	The Department for Education and Skills does not collect data on the number of schools in Somerset that are providing the two hour entitlement. However, we do know that Somerset currently has 1 School Sport Co-ordinator partnership (with 6 co-ordinators) and King Arthur's Community School will begin operating this September as a Sport College. Nationally we estimate that about 25 per cent. of schools—those within School Sport Co-ordinator Partnerships—are offering their pupils access to the two hour entitlement. However, an audit due to take place during the autumn term will check this assumption.

Discretionary Awards

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list for each LEA where EMAs have been introduced the amount of resources allocated for discretionary awards in each of year since 1997.

Margaret Hodge: holding answer 5 July 2002
	Prior to 1998–99, funding for discretionary support was made within the Education SSA. This is not broken down into specific funding lines and individual LEA allocations are therefore not available. In 1999, discretionary funding for young people post-16 in schools was transferred to the School Access Funds. The amount of School Access Funds made available to LEAs for discretionary support in the EMA pilot areas is set out in the table.
	Separate allocations of Access Funds are also made available to colleges, including sixth form colleges. The amounts are listed in the Further Education Funding Council and Learning and Skills Council Circulars (FEFC Circulars 97/32, 98/29, 99/27,00/14, LSC Circular 01/08).
	
		£000 
		
			 LEA 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 
		
		
			  Original pilots—September 1999   
			 Bolton 31,775 8,168 22,932 32,192 
			 Cornwall 35,249 12,782 22,267 30,043 
			 Doncaster 76,318 19,002 59,579 83,378 
			 Gateshead 42,754 9,969 29,413 36,716 
			 Greenwich 106,541 89,763 25,382 35,523 
			 Lambeth 20,280 17,358 5,000 5,200 
			 Leeds 121,873 121,873 62,456 82,634 
			 Lewisham 45,590 45,590 12,891 14,517 
			 Middlesbrough 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 
			 Nottingham 16,394 8,081 11,937 16,757 
			 Oldham 26,649 6,875 14,689 20,502 
			 Southampton 5,000 5,000 5,000 7,019 
			 Southwark 13,813 17,033 5,000 7,019 
			 Stoke on Trent n/a 5,000 5,000 7,019 
			 Walsall 77,693 15,996 57,853 81,214 
			  
			  Pilots from September 2000   
			 Barking and Dagenham 31,952 56,794 16,059 20,050 
			 Barnsley 8,862 11,521 5,000 6,413 
			 Birmingham 250,401 426,700 122,120 167,782 
			 Bradford 170,393 279,138 81,562 112,280 
			 Brent 67,643 115,818 32,749 33,843 
			 Camden 54,427 103,446 43,382 60,899 
			 Coventry 60,859 101,777 43,271 57,946 
			 Ealing 70,083 115,418 32,636 32,636 
			 East Lancashire(12) 104,844 136,297 205,287 213,863 
			 Hackney 34,610 44,993 16,990 21,971 
			 Halton 18,970 31,233 11,028 12,927 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 30,002 31,233 11,028 12,927 
			 Haringey 80,542 104,705 29,607 29,607 
			 Hartlepool 8,048 13,329 6,748 9,473 
			 Islington 14,172 26,227 7,655 8,472 
			 Kingston upon Hull 6,589 11,267 5,000 6,395 
			 Knowsley 41,840 54,392 15,380 15,380 
			 Leicester City 18,642 33,103 16,298 20,961 
			 Liverpool 255,980 332,774 131,392 184,447 
			 Luton 5,000 8,212 5,000 5,200 
			 Manchester 38,772 62,767 24,626 31,748 
			 Newham 29,252 47,417 18,771 26,351 
			 North East Lincolnshire 5,000 9,453 5,000 6,603 
			 North Tyneside 30,432 52,119 19,282 27,067 
			 Northumberland 56,949 96,015 38,872 54,568 
			 Salford 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,200 
			 Sandwell 47,012 61,116 22,093 29,288 
			 Sheffield 65,965 85,755 28,773 40,392 
			 South Tyneside 9,137 15,009 7,993 11,220 
			 St. Helens 20,033 85,755 28,773 40,392 
			 Suffolk 74,794 127,213 179,856 187,370 
			 Sunderland 35,298 45,888 84,777 88,319 
			 Tameside 5,378 8,720 5,000 5,200 
			 Tower Hamlets 112,052 145,667 52,669 72,380 
			 Wakefield 30,064 39,083 15,264 21,428 
			 Waltham Forest 14,349 26,980 7,629 9,664 
			 Wandsworth 30,851 60,310 17,054 17,054 
			 Wigan 9,599 16,169 5,000 6,998 
			 Wirral 96,184 165,221 46,719 62,588 
			 Wolverhampton 59,149 98,585 45,139 62,380 
			 Worcestershire 32,816 59,959 18,839 25,892 
			 Totals 2,766,874 3,740,068 1,859,720 2,330,307 
		
	
	(12) Figures shown are for the whole of Lancashire

Education Maintenance Allowance

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many young people received educational maintenance allowance (a) by variant and (b) by region in each year since 1999.

Margaret Hodge: holding answer 5 July 2002
	(a) The following table shows the number of young people in receipt of education maintenance allowance by variant.
	
		
			 Variant Number 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 1(13) 5,682 27,240 35,697 
			 2(14) 816 5,151 5,387 
			 3(15) 2,168 9,105 13,044 
			 4(16) 683 13,151 22,006 
			 5(17) 384 16,225 29,828 
			 6(18) 0 5,732 9,656 
			 Pure transport(19) 0 4,064 7,416 
			 Hybrid transport(20) 0 2,442 4,302 
			  
			 Total 9,733 83,110 127,336 
		
	
	(13) £30 per week, £50 termly retention bonus, (up to) £50 achievement bonus,'cut off' threshold of £30,000
	(14) £40 per week, £50 termly retention bonus, (up to) £50 achievement bonus, 'cut off' threshold of £30,000
	(15) £30 per week to the parent, £50 termly retention bonus, (up to) £50 achievement bonus, 'cut off' threshold of £30,000
	(16) £30 per week, £80 termly retention bonus, (up to) £140 achievement bonus, 'cut off' threshold of £30,000
	(17) £30 per week, £50 termly retention bonus, (up to) £50 achievement bonus, 'cut off' threshold of £20,000
	(18) £30 per week, £50 termly retention bonus, (up to) £50 achievement bonus, 'cut off' threshold of £25,000
	(19) Free transport, £50 termly retention and (up to) £50 achievement bonus (2 areas), £80 termly retention and (up to) £140 achievement bonus (1 area), 'cut off' threshold of £30,000
	(20) £20 per week, eligible to receive discount on transport costs, no retention bonus, no achievement bonus, 'cut off' threshold of £30,000
	(b) The second table shows the number of young people in receipt of education maintenance allowance by Government office region.
	
		
			 Region 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 East Midlands 258 4,104 6,009 
			 East of England 0 2,301 4,459 
			 London 384 12,988 23,355 
			 North East 1,505 8,506 12,615 
			 North West 1,690 17,917 27,438 
			 South East 542 1,546 1,500 
			 South West 3,046 5,890 5,775 
			 West Midlands 772 14,857 24,616 
			 Yorkshire and The Humber 1,536 15,001 21,569 
			  
			 Total 9,733 83,110 127,336

All Our Futures: Creativity, Culture and Education

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she is taking to implement the recommendations of the report, "All Our Futures: Creativity, Culture and Education"; and if she will make a statement.

Stephen Twigg: holding answer 8 July 2002
	The National Advisory Committee on Creative and Cultural Education reported jointly to the Secretaries of State for Education and Employment and Culture, Media and Sport in 1999 via the report "All our Futures". The report contained 59 detailed recommendations for action by a range of bodies including Government, schools and higher education institutions. My Department has worked closely with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and external partners, to implement the recommendations.
	Some of the main steps taken so far include funding of £270 million for the introduction of the Music Standards Fund to protect and expand LEA Music Services; the establishment of Artsmark, a national awards scheme now in its second year which recognises schools which offer a wide range of arts provision; and the recent joint announcement of £130 million for the Space for Sport and Arts programme which will fund almost 300 primary schools nationwide to modernise or build new multi-use halls and sports facilities and new music and arts studios.
	Other major initiatives in progress include the development of 16 Creative Partnerships Pilots, with the aim of building long-term, sustainable relationships between creative professionals and schools. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is undertaking a project focusing on pupils' creativity across the curriculum which will produce guidance for schools on ways to promote pupils' creativity.
	Our White Paper, "Schools: achieving success", repeats our commitment that all pupils should have access to a broad and rich education with a variety of extra-curricula activities and that, over time, all primary school pupils who want to should have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument.

Nursery Centres of Excellence

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many nursery centres of excellence have been designated; how many centres there are in each local education authority area; and what total additional resource has been allocated to nursery centres of excellence.

Margaret Hodge: holding answer 8 July 2002
	I announced, on 5 July, the designation of 33 new Early Excellence Centres (EECs) offering high quality integrated education and day care for young children, and services and opportunities for parents and the wider community. This brings the total number of EECs across the country to 91, taking us to within nine of reaching our manifesto commitment of 100 by 2004.
	A table listing all the current EECs by local education authority area has been placed in the Library.

Jacques Delors Professorship

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the cost to (a) United Kingdom and (b) Communities funds of the Jacques Delors Professorship of Community Law, Oxford; and to which budget line it falls.

Margaret Hodge: My Department does not hold statistics about the costs to the UK nor to the European Union (EU) of individual Professorships, including those which are part funded by the EU. The funding of this particular Professorship is a matter for Oxford University and for the European Commission.

Examination Papers

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list by (a) year, (b) date and (c) examining body, each mistake in external examination papers at (i) GCSE, (ii) AS and (iii) A Level that has been reported to her since 1997.

Stephen Twigg: holding answer 9 July 2002
	The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) advise that the data for 2002 is as follows.
	AQA
	January: 5 A level;
	May/June: 6 GCSE, 2 A level, 2 GNVQ.
	Edexcel
	January: 4 A level, 1 GNVQ;
	May/June: 2 GNVQ.
	OCR
	January: 1 A level, 1 AS, 1 GNVQ, 4 VCE;
	May/June: 4 A level, 5 GCSE.
	QCA has not systemically collected similar data for earlier years. QCA recently introduced a series of detailed performance targets for awarding bodies, which will require the collection of data on undetected errors in examination papers. This information will be published for future years.

Education Spending

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the total budget across all Government Departments was for spending on statutory education for 11 to 18-year-olds in schools and sixth form colleges in England in the last year for which figures are available.

David Miliband: holding answer 9 July 2002
	The total budget or Local Schools Budget (LSB) for secondary schools for 2002–03 is £11,829.5 million. This is the amount appropriated by the authorities for meeting all secondary expenditure by them in that year, including expenditure on central functions such as transport, as well as schools' delegated budgets.
	The Learning and Skills Council has allocated £452.0 million for sixth form colleges for 2002–03.

Further Education

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of students continue into further education after their GCSEs; and what efforts the Government have made to encourage pupils to stay on at school after their GCSEs.

Stephen Twigg: holding answer 4 July 2002
	The post-compulsory staying-on rate in all forms of learning is 86.5 per cent. In 2001–02, of the total number of 16-year-olds, 71.2 per cent. continue to participate full-time in schools, sixth-form colleges or other colleges of further education, after the completion of their compulsory education. The latter figure includes some still studying GCSEs, but does not include those in part-time education or in work-based learning.
	We want all young people to continue after the age of 16 in high quality learning opportunities which best meet their needs and potential. This will give young people a range of high quality, general mixed and vocational options with the aim of ending the culture of dropping out of learning at 16. In addition to the Connexions Service role the Learning and Skills Council have put in place a number of measures to provide the support and incentives young people need to take up and succeed in learning. We are introducing a range of initiatives to overcome financial obstacles to participation. One of these is the education maintenance allowance, which is available in a third of the country. The impact of EMA on participation among eligible young people in the pilot areas has been to raise participation by six percentage points. We are presently considering responses to the 14–19 Green Paper "Extending opportunities, raising standards".

Further Education

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many and what proportion of (a) colleges of further education and (b) sixth form colleges in England and Wales were trading at a deficit in each financial year from 1997–98 to 2001–02; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: The number and proportion of colleges in England with an operating deficit (an excess of total expenditure over total income) in each financial year (1 August to 31 July) for the periods 1997–98 to 2000–01 is given in the table. Information on colleges in Wales is a matter for the Welsh Assembly.
	
		
			 Sixth form colleges  1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 
		
		
			 No. of colleges with a trading deficit 37 36 48 18 
			 Percentage of colleges across the total FE sector 8.33 8.14 11.27 4.30 
			 Percentage of colleges of the same type 33.94 33.64 45.28 17.65 
			  
			 Other FE sector colleges 
			 No. of colleges with a trading deficit 148 141 159 94 
			 Percentage of colleges across the total FE sector 33.33 31.90 37.32 22.43 
			 Percentage of colleges of the same type 44.18 42.09 49.69 29.65 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Information for the financial year 2001–02 is not yet available.
	2. Other FE sector colleges include general further education colleges, tertiary colleges, agricultural and horticultural colleges, art, design and performing arts colleges and designated colleges.
	The further education sector is an important contributor to achieving our goal of a learning society. Further education colleges, including sixth form colleges, have a key role to play and we are continuing to increase our investment in this area. The Learning and Skills Council has procedures in place to identify colleges that have financial difficulties and will, as appropriate, give financial and practical support to enable them to implement effective plans to address these. However, prevention not intervention will be the aim.

Further Education

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many and what proportion of (a) colleges of further education and (b) sixth form colleges in England and Wales were in the Learning and Skills Council's weakest financial category at some point in each financial year from 1997–98 to 2001–02; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: The number and proportion of colleges in England in the weakest financial category at some point during the financial year (1 August to 31 July) for the periods 1997–98 to 2000–01 is given in the table. Information on colleges in Wales is a matter for the Welsh Assembly.
	
		
			  Number in weakest financial category Percentage of colleges across the total FE sector Percentage of colleges of the same type 
		
		
			  Sixth form colleges  
			 1997–98 11 2.48 10.09 
			 1998–99 8 1.81 7.48 
			 1999–2000 8 1.88 7.55 
			 2000–01 10 2.39 9.80 
			 
			  Other FE sector colleges  
			 1997–98 84 18.92 25.07 
			 1998–99 63 14.25 18.81 
			 1999–2000 60 14.08 18.75 
			 2000–01 70 16.71 22.08 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Data for the financial year 2001–02 is not yet available.
	2. Other FE sector colleges include general further education colleges, tertiary colleges, agricultural and horticultural colleges, art, design and performing arts colleges and designated colleges.
	The further education sector is an important contributor to achieving our goal of a learning society. Further education colleges, including sixth form colleges, have a key role to play and we are continuing to increase our investment in this area. The Learning and Skills Council has procedures in place to identify colleges that have financial difficulties and will, as appropriate, give financial and practical support to enable them to implement effective plans to address these. However, prevention not intervention will be the aim.

Devolution

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when the EU Advisory Committee on the training in architecture is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	The next meeting of the Advisory Committee on Training and Education in the Field of Architecture (ACETA) has been scheduled provisionally for 20 November 2002. The date is still to be confirmed by the EU Commission. No representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been or (b) are members of it.
	The mandate of this Committee is to help to ensure a comparably high standard of education and training for architects throughout the Community, and permit free movement of people and provision of services as Single Market objectives. It normally meets once a year.
	The UK Delegation to the ACETA consists of one Government official from this Office (Building Regulations Division), the Chief Executive of the Architects Registration Board, two representatives from the architectural profession, and two representatives from schools of architecture.

PRIVY COUNCIL

Parliamentary Questions

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the President of the Council how many questions to Ministers for written answer have been tabled this session by the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow); and what has been the cost of responding to them.

Robin Cook: At the close of business on Tuesday, 9 July, the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) had tabled 4,382 1 questions at a total cost of £565,278.
	Note:
	Information supplied by the Table Office.

Female Staff

John Bercow: To ask the President of the Council what percentage of the staff of his Department are women; and what the percentage was in June 1997.

Robin Cook: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, on 5 July 2002, Official Report, column 622W.

Statutory Instruments

John Bercow: To ask the President of the Council how many statutory instruments have been (a) introduced, (b) removed and (c) amended by his Department since 1 January; and what the (i) cost and (ii) saving has been in each case.

Robin Cook: pursuant to his reply, 9 July 2002, c. 837W
	I regret to say that there was an error on the number of statutory instruments which have been amended by my Department. The figure given was one. The correct figure is two.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Election Nominations

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many parish councils (a) did not receive sufficient nominations to have an election in May and (b) are missing as a result.

Nick Raynsford: This information is not held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, no parish councils would be "missing" as a result of insufficient nominations for election. Under powers in the Local Government Act 1972, the remaining councillors would be able to co-opt people on to the council or, if the council had become inquorate, the district council would be able to co-opt members to enable council business to continue.

Terminal 5

Keith Vaz: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the final cost was of the planning inquiry into Terminal 5.

Tony McNulty: The total cost of Terminal 5 inquiry to all participants is estimated at over £83 million, including certain pre-inquiry costs.

Out-of-town Shopping Centres

Keith Vaz: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many applications for planning permission for out-of-town shopping centres have been agreed since 7 January.

Tony McNulty: Local planning authorities provide quarterly statistical returns of planning decisions made, but details, such as their location, are not held centrally and therefore could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Facilities (Minimum Requirements)

Don Foster: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will place in the Library the minimum requirements for (a) houses, (b) flats, (c) hotels and hostels, (d) houses in multiple occupation, (e) prisons and (f) university halls of residence for (i) space, (ii) lighting, (iii) ventilation, (iv) bathroom and toilet facilities and (v) fire escapes.

Tony McNulty: There are a number of regulations in place in relation to minimum requirements for dwellings, including houses, flats, hotels and hostels, houses in multiple occupation and university halls of residence.
	This reply deals with areas of regulation for which my Department is primarily responsible. As regards prisons, my Department is responsible for fire safety matters only. I will ensure that the relevant documents are in the Library.
	Building Regulations
	The minimum requirements for the construction of most new buildings and certain extensions and alterations of existing buildings in England and Wales are given in the Building Regulations 2000 (SI 2000 No. 2531) (as amended by SI 2001 No. 3335 and SI 2002 No. 440). Buildings which are owned and/or occupied on behalf of a Crown Authority, such as some prisons, are exempt from both the procedural and technical aspects of the Building Regulations.
	The Building Regulations are made for the purpose of securing reasonable standards of health and safety, welfare and convenience of persons in or about buildings, and the design of buildings to further conservation of fuel and power. The technical requirements of the Building Regulations are divided into fourteen substantive parts. These include Part B (Fire safety -including fire escapes and escape lighting); Part F (Ventilation); Part G (Hygiene—including bathroom and toilet facilities); and Parts L1 & L2 (Conservation of fuel and power—including energy efficiency of lighting systems). The Regulations make no requirements with regard to the minimum size or amount of living space that should be provided in buildings.
	These Regulations are performance based, rather than prescriptive, and are supported by Approved Documents which offer ways of satisfying the requirements of the Regulations. Housing Fitness Standard
	Under the housing fitness standard, set out in section 604 in the Housing Act 1985, as amended by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, a dwelling is unfit if, in the opinion of the local authority, it fails to meet one of nine specified requirements and, by reason of that failure, is not reasonably suitable for occupation. The requirements constitute the minimum deemed necessary for a dwelling house to be fit for human habitation. Among other requirements a dwelling should have adequate provision for lighting, heating and ventilation, have an adequate piped supply of wholesome water, have an effective system for the drainage of foul, waste and surface water, have a suitably located WC for exclusive use of the occupants, have a bath or shower and wash-hand basin, with hot and cold water.
	Houses in Multiple Occupation
	Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are subject to the general housing fitness standard in section 604 of the 1985 Act and in addition local housing authorities have discretionary power to ensure HMOs are fit for the number of occupants under s352. This includes ensuring such properties have adequate toilet and bathroom facilities and adequate means of escape from fire and other fire precautions. The Housing (Fire Safety in Houses in Multiple Occupation) Order 1997 (SI 1997/230) places a mandatory duty on local authorities to ensure, in consultation with local fire authorities, that HMOs of three storeys or more and occupied by more than four persons are adequately equipped with means of escape from fire.
	The Housing (Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation) Regulations 1990 (SI 1990/830) place a duty on the manager of an HMO, among other things, to ensure that installations for lighting, toilet and bathing facilities in common use are maintained in repair, a clean condition and good order. The manager is responsible for ensuring means of escape from fire and other fire precautions and windows and other means of ventilation are maintained in repair and proper working order and in respect of fire escapes and other precautions, free from obstruction.
	Hostels and most University halls of residence are classified as HMOs.
	Overcrowding
	Overcrowding standards are set out in Part X of the 1985 Act. The Room Standard is breached if two people of opposite sexes, who are not living together as husband and wife, must sleep in the same room. The Space Standard specifies the number of people who may sleep in a dwelling according to the number of rooms.
	Fire Safety
	Some hotels and boarding houses (including halls of residence at universities where these are used as sleeping accommodation for conference facilities etc), are designated under section 1 of the Fire Precautions Act 1971 as requiring a fire certificate. (Those that provide sleeping accommodation for more than six guests or staff or any accommodation above the first floor or below the ground floor are designated). It is a requirement, under section 5 of the 1971 Act that in order to gain a fire certificate the fire authority must be satisfied that the means of escape are such as may reasonably be required in the circumstances of the case. Guidance for owners/occupiers and enforcing authorities is contained in Chapter 13 of the publication "Fire Precautions Act 1971: Guide to Fire Precautions in Premises Used as Hotels and Boarding Houses Which Require a Fire Certificate" (TSO; ISBN 0–11–34–1005–0).
	In hotels, boarding houses, prisons, university halls of residence, houses in multiple occupation, hostels and most other places where staff are employed to work (other than single private dwellings and private accommodation areas of flats) the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 (as amended by the Fire Precautions (Workplace) (Amendment) Regulations 1999) will also apply. This regime utilises risk assessment of the premises to determine the fire precautions that are necessary in the circumstances of the case—including the means of escape. Regulation 5 imposes requirements in respect of means of escape. Guidance to employers is given in part 3 of the publication "Fire Safety: an employers guide" (TSO; ISBN0–11–341229–0).
	Specific guidance on fire safety standards for prisons is given in HM Prison Service document: Fire Standards in Prison Establishments Principles of Design and Standards of Construction.

Homelessness

Karen Buck: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to assist local authorities in the implementation of their duties under (a) the Homelessness Act 2002 and (b) Government targets on the reduction of families supported by local authorities in bed and breakfast accommodation.

Tony McNulty: A new Homelessness Directorate has been established within my Department to take forward the new approach to tackling homelessness as set out in the Homelessness Directorate's report "More than a roof". Our specific measures include a £125 million investment in 2002–03 to tackle homelessness, and new legislation to strengthen the assistance to people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.
	The Homelessness Directorate published a good practice handbook to help local authorities conduct homelessness reviews and develop effective homelessness strategies. In addition, on 14 March 2002 the Homelessness Directorate invited local authorities to apply for £10 million funding, and submit proposals, for local homelessness strategies. These are being considered at the moment.
	In addition, the Government has already provided local authorities with an additional £8 million per annum in Revenue Support Grant to help them meet their new statutory obligations under the Homelessness Act 2002. All housing authorities will also receive a share of an additional £10 million in 2002–03 to enable them to deliver our proposed Order to extend the priority need groups under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
	Also in March 2002, a £35 million programme was launched to help local authorities ensure that by March 2004 no homeless family with children is in bed and breakfast hotels (B&B) other than in an emergency, and even then for no more than 6 weeks. On 17 June £25 million was allocated to the 42 local authorities with the highest number of families with children in B&B hotels to help them meet the March 2004 commitment. We will now be working with the next 40 highest using authorities to see how we can help them reduce B&B hotel numbers.
	Authorities have also been sent a 10-point checklist of good practice outlining the key 'building blocks' in reducing B&B hotel use. Regional seminars have been held and examples of good practice have been shared through a newsletter and via the ODPM website.

Social Housing

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  what plans he has to extend the pathfinder projects on social housing to other areas of England; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the progress made in the nine pathfinder projects on social housing announced earlier this year; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Raynsford: We have invited nine areas to work with the Government to establish long-term pathfinder projects to tackle most acute instances of low demand for—importantly—both public and private housing. Low demand, which occurs mainly in the north of England with pockets in the Midlands, is not specific to either sector. We are making available £25 million from the Capital Modernisation Fund to assist the pathfinder projects in undertaking vital preparatory work.
	We are not seeking to add to the already large number of pathfinder projects at the present time. Nonetheless, we want those local authorities not directly involved but who do experience low demand to have the opportunity to learn the lessons of this new approach. We are currently considering how best to share the knowledge that is gained.

Council Homes

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the progress made in reaching the Government's target for improving the standard of council homes by 2010.

Tony McNulty: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 9 July 2002, Official Report, column 881W.

Hull Council

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to intervene in Hull council; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Raynsford: Kingston upon Hull council is due to respond to the Audit Commission's Best Value Inspectors draft Corporate Governance Inspection Report by 11 July. The Audit Commission will then finalise the report following the advice of the Referral Panel, and if considered appropriate will make any recommendations for referral to the Deputy Prime Minister.
	The Government will decide the best course of action to take on the final report when received.

Enterprise Bill

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what bilateral discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry regarding the provision in the Enterprise Bill which includes housing associations in the proposed insolvency law; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: Following inter-departmental correspondence my noble Friend Lord Sainsbury announced on 2 July in another place during second reading of the Enterprise Bill our intention to bring forward amendments that will provide exemption from the insolvency provisions within the Bill for all RSLs, whether they are companies or industrial and provident societies.

Mobile Phone Mast

Archie Norman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which (a) local authorities, (b) environmental groups and (c) other groups have been consulted on the revised Code of Best Practice for mobile phone operators on mast development.

Tony McNulty: The revised Code is being drawn up by the Telecommunications Working Group which comprises representatives of the mobile phone network industry and of central and local government. We have not consulted other groups about the revision of the Code.

Planning

Vincent Cable: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent guidance he has given to the Planning Inspectorate regarding the weight to be given to health fears; in how many appeals this has been a determine factor in the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: Current planning guidance on telecommunications is set out in Planning Policy Guidance Note 8 (revised) (PPG8). PPG8 states that health considerations and public concern can in principle be material considerations in determining applications for planning permission and prior approval. Whether such matters are material in a particular case is ultimately a matter for the courts. It is for the decision-maker (usually the local planning authority) to determine what weight to attach to such considerations in any particular case.
	However, it is the Government's firm view that the planning system is not the place for determining health safeguards. It remains central Government's responsibility to decide what measures are necessary to protect public health. In the Government's view, if a proposed mobile phone base station meets the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines for public exposure it should not be necessary for a local planning authority, in processing an application for planning permission or prior approval, to consider further the health aspects and concerns about them.
	Planning Inspectors should take account of PPG8 when considering appeals involving telecommunications development. Information is not held centrally about appeal decisions for mobile phone masts.

Planning

Andrew Turner: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister to which level of authority he plans to give structure planning powers upon their removal from county councils where the unitary authority is a county.

Nick Raynsford: Under the proposals in the Planning Green Paper structure plans are to be abolished. In areas where the unitary authority is a county, it would be responsible for preparing a local development framework.

Planning

John Taylor: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will introduce a restraint on the numbers of sequential planning applications which a developer may submit to a planning authority in respect of the same property; how many recent representations he has received on this subject; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: Local planning authorities already have powers to decline to determine an application for planning permission if, within the previous two years, the Secretary of State has refused a similar application called in by him, or has dismissed an appeal against the refusal of a similar application, provided in each case there has been no material change in circumstances. The Planning Green Paper said that we propose to extend these powers to allow local planning authorities to decline to determine applications where a similar application has been refused and not appealed, or a similar application is still under consideration by them, or is at appeal, or has been called in.
	We received over 16,000 responses to the Green Paper. We intend to make a statement about taking forward Green Paper proposals before the summer recess.

Car Boot Sales

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to increase the powers of local authorities over the granting of permissions for car boot sales.

Tony McNulty: On 24 January 2002 a consultation paper was issued on possible options for change to the current temporary use provisions, including car boot sales. The paper put forward six options for change as well as inviting proposals for alternative options. A preferred option was not given. The closing date for responses was 24 April 2002.
	We have had a significant response to the consultation paper. The views of respondents are currently being carefully considered prior to taking decisions on the way forward.

Public Consultations

John Bercow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the public consultations undertaken by his Department since 8 June 2001, indicating the (a) length and (b) number of responses received in each case.

Christopher Leslie: A list of the public consultations undertaken by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister or its predecessors since 8 June 2001 has been placed in the Libraries of the House, including the dates for which the period for responses opened and closed. The list is based on central records and reflects the public consultations undertaken within the areas for which the Office is currently responsible. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not, however, keep central records relating to the number of responses received for each consultation.

Street Wardens

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what targets have been set, and what progress has been made, on the Street Wardens Initiative.

Tony McNulty: The Prime Minister announced the introduction of street wardens at the Liveability Conference in April last year. 123 bids were approved in late October and schemes have since been developing their implementation plans. The first street warden scheme began in January this year and to date 106 schemes are up and running with about 700 wardens expected to become active during the coming year.
	The targets set for the coming year include 80 per cent. of schemes focusing on crime to achieve a 20 per cent. reduction in burglary, auto crime or fear of crime and for those that focus on liveability, 80 per cent. of abandoned cars have removal notices placed within three days.

Council Tax

Dave Watts: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether he intends to use his reserve capping powers this year in respect of any local authorities' council tax increases; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Raynsford: In our White Paper, "Strong Local Leadership—Quality Public Services", we made clear that we would use our reserve capping powers only in exceptional circumstances. We have carefully considered this year's increases and concluded it would not be appropriate to use the powers this year. (However, we remain concerned about the level of council tax increases and the willingness of local people to pay them. We have issued guidance on best practice on consulting local people about tax and spend decisions and we will be looking at how effectively authorities have engaged their local tax payers on future council tax increases.)

Affordable Housing

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  what progress has been made on providing key workers with affordable housing in central London;
	(2)  what measures are in place to help key workers find affordable housing in London.

Tony McNulty: The Government recognise the importance of affordable housing for key workers in London in maintaining balanced and successful communities.
	£146 million of the £250 million Starter Homes Initiative has been allocated to London schemes and will help around 4,600 key workers to realise their aspirations of home ownership. We hope that the initiative will act as a catalyst, and encourage other innovative approaches to housing key workers.
	The NHS in London is providing 2,000 units of affordable rental accommodation for health staff in the three years up to June 2003.
	London will receive £558 million of funding through the Housing Corporation's Approved Development Programme in 2002–03. This is a 7 per cent. improvement over last year and is expected to achieve a completion target of 7,000 affordable homes, of which almost 2,000 will be for low-cost ownership.
	In addition we are fundamentally overhauling the planning system to make it more effective overall and more responsive to the community's affordable housing needs. We have established an Affordable Housing Unit to work closely with partners in regional and local authorities, professional housing managers, developers and others in the public sector, and identify how each can contribute to improving the delivery of affordable homes in both the social rented low-cost ownership sectors.

Affordable Housing

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what percentage of residential housing is planned to be (a) social housing and (b) housing for essential key workers in the proposed development of the Dome.

Tony McNulty: Meridian Delta Ltd is currently working towards submission of a planning application for development of the Dome and land on the Greenwich peninsula, and the delivery of new housing, including social and key worker housing, will feature in its discussions with the planning authorities and other stakeholders. It would not be appropriate to speculate on the outcome of those discussions or of the planning process.

Sonae Factory (Kirby)

George Howarth: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make the HSE findings on the recent explosion at the Sonae factory in Kirby available in the Library as soon as they are concluded.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	Responsibility for health and safety matters rests with the Department for Transport.
	The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation into the dust explosion which occurred on 1 June 2002 at the Sonae (UK) Ltd factory in Kirby is extensive and still continuing.
	When the investigation is complete HSE will make the findings available in the House Library.

Sonae Factory (Kirby)

George Howarth: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the improvement notices the HSE have issued to the Sonae factory in Kirby.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	As a result of the dust explosion on 1 June 2002, two enforcement notices were issued on plant and systems at the Sonae (UK) Ltd factory in Kirby.
	A prohibition notice was issued on 25 June 2002. It prohibits the restarting of the plant involved in the recent explosion until a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks associated with this plant is carried out.
	An improvement notice was issued on 28 June 2002. It requires the company to carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks associated with wood dust in the other production areas on site not affected by the explosion. Compliance with this notice is to be achieved by 12 August 2002.
	Four other enforcement notices have been served on the company:
	May 2001—an improvement notice on work in confined spaces;
	September 2001—a prohibition notice on the wood chip fuel feed area, following an explosion;
	November 2001—an improvement notice concerning automatic self-propelled transfer carriages;
	June 2002—an improvement notice on the safe use of industrial lift trucks.

Quiet Lanes

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he will issue guidance to local authorities in respect of quiet lanes and the Transport Act 2000.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	The Department for Transport aims to publish statutory guidance on quiet lanes (and home zones) in parallel with the publication of regulations. The regulations will be laid before Parliament later this year.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Carers Allowance

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many appeals against refusal of applications for carers allowance (formerly invalid care allowance) in (a) Angus and (b) Scotland have been successful in each of the last five years.

Maria Eagle: The information requested for Angus is not available.
	The available information for the total number of successful appeals in Scotland in each of the years from 1998 to 2001 is in the table.
	
		
			  Number of successful appeals 
		
		
			 1998 70 
			 1999 85 
			 2000 50 
			 2001 40

Telford Job Centre

David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many individuals have been assisted in the Telford Jobcentre Plus offices since their opening.

Nick Brown: Precise figures for the number of individuals who have been assisted by the Jobcentre Plus office in Telford, and its linked offices in Madeley and Wellington, are not available. Many people, for example, call at the offices without an appointment simply to look at the job vacancies we hold and we do not keep records of such visits.
	However, to give an approximation of the level of usage of the offices, we know that some 45,000 submissions to job vacancies have been made since the new offices opened last October. In the same period we have taken some 15,000 calls from customers inquiring about a claim to benefit and issued over 10,000 claim forms to them.

Benefits (Habitual Residence Test)

David Lepper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people have been refused benefits under the habitual residence test rules in each of the last five years in the (a) Brighton, Pavilion, (b) Brighton, Kemptown and (c) Hove constituencies; and in how many of these cases the refusal has been reversed on appeal.

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people have been refused benefits under the habitual residence test rules in each of the last three years in the Portsmouth, South constituency; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: The purpose of the habitual residence test is to ensure that income-related benefits are paid to people with reasonably close ties to the UK and an intention to settle here. Introduced in 1994, its underlying principle is that UK taxpayers should not have to subsidise people with very tenuous links to the UK.
	Data on claims subject to the habitual residence test are not available by parliamentary constituency. The table gives the available information by Jobcentre Plus district office.
	
		Number of claims where the habitual residence test has not been satisfied
		
			 Financial year Brighton district office Hove district office Portsmouth district office 
		
		
			 1998–99 245 24 62 
			 1999–2000 161 21 42 
			 2000–01 119 6 25 
			 2001–02 144 1 22 
			 2002–03(21) 24 0 0 
		
	
	(21) Up to 31 May 2002
	Notes:
	1. Data before 1998–99 are not available.
	2. Excludes housing benefit and council tax benefit claims administered by local authorities. Information on the number of these claims where the habitual residence test has not been satisfied is not collected centrally.
	Source:
	Management Information Statistics Program (MISP).
	Appeals data are not available by parliamentary constituency.

Preserved Rights Residents

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much has been given to preserved rights residents in care homes for each region and local authority in each of the last five years; and how much has been transferred to local authorities for former preserved rights residents for 2002–03.

Maria Eagle: The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table. The figures in the table show the actual preserved rights benefit expenditure by Government office region for the last five years. The figures reflect a case load that has had no new preserved rights cases since 1993 and declines by 10,000 cases each year. The total transfer payment to Department of Health was based on forecast expenditure for 2002–03. It included an amount to reflect the loss of disability benefits by preserved rights customers, but was net of on-going benefit liabilities which will continue to be met by this Department.
	A total transfer of £714 million was made for Great Britain. £614 million was transferred by the Department for Work and Pensions, for 2002–03, to fund the transfer of preserved rights cases. In addition an extra £100 million was agreed by HM Treasury to cover the shortfall between care fees and preserved rights limits.
	
		Income support claimants in residential care and nursing homes with preserved rights: Expenditure by Government office region (GAR) -- £ million
		
			 GAR 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 North East 51 42 34 29 27 
			 North West 173 143 117 102 91 
			 Yorks and Humber 114 95 80 71 64 
			 East Midlands 89 76 63 55 50 
			 West Midlands 97 83 71 61 55 
			 East 75 68 61 53 49 
			 London 86 77 70 64 59 
			 South East 192 174 155 139 128 
			 South West 167 148 130 113 105 
			 Wales 63 50 41 34 28 
			 Scotland 93 80 67 55 50 
			   
			 Great Britain 1,199 1,035 887 778 705 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. 2001–02 expenditure is estimated outturn.
	2. Derived using sample data, therefore subject to sampling variation.
	3. Individual figures may not sum to totals due to rounding.
	4. Figures for North West include Merseyside. Merseyside merged with North West in February 1999.
	5. There were no new preserved rights cases after March 1993 when the community care arrangements came into force. The amount paid for preserved rights cases has declined in line with the case load which reduces by about 10,000 cases each year.
	Sources:
	1. Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry.
	2. DWP expenditure data.

Preserved Rights Residents

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answer of 19 November 2001, Official Report, column 145W, on preserved rights residents, if he will give comparable figures for the previous three years for which figures are available.

Maria Eagle: The information requested is in the following table which shows income support claimants with preserved rights in residential care/nursing homes for the years requested, May 2000, May 1999, and May 1998.
	
		Income support claimants with preserved rights in residential care/nursing homes
		
			   All preserved rights cases  Residential care  Nursing homes  
			  Number (thousand) Percentage Number (thousand) Percentage  Number (thousand) Percentage 
		
		
			 May 1998   
			 All cases 103.7 100.0 68.6 100.0 35.1 100.0 
			 Fees equal to or below IS 57.8 55.7 38.6 56.3 19.2 54.6 
			
			 Fees above IS 45.9 44.3 30.0 43.7 15.9 45.4 
			 of which above IS by:   
			 £0.01 to £14.44(22) 16.4 15.8 8.1 11.9 8.3 23.6 
			 £14.45 to £20.00 3.5 3.4 2.2 3.2 1.3 3.6 
			 £20.01 to £30.00 4.3 4.1 2.7 4.0 1.6 4.4 
			 £30.01 to £40.00 4.0 3.9 2.7 3.9 1.3 3.7 
			 £40.01 to £50.00 2.2 2.1 1.4 2.1 0.7 2.1 
			 £50.01 to £60.00 1.6 1.6 1.1 1.6 0.5 1.4 
			 £60.01 to £70.00 1.4 1.3 1.0 1.4 (23)0.4 1.1 
			 £70.01 and over 12.6 12.1 10.7 15.6 1.9 5.4 
			
			 May 1999   
			 All cases 86.3 100.0 59.3 100.0 26.9 100.0 
			 Fees equal to or below IS 49.2 57.1 33.4 56.3 15.8 58.8 
			
			 Fees above IS 37.0 42.9 25.9 43.7 11.1 41.2 
			 of which above IS by:   
			 £0.01 to £14.74(22) 11.6 13.5 6.6 11.2 5.0 18.6 
			 £14.75 to £20.00 2.8 3.3 1.7 2.8 1.1 4.2 
			 £20.01 to £30.00 3.8 4.4 2.3 3.9 1.4 5.3 
			 £30.01 to £40.00 2.7 3.1 2.0 3.4 0.6 2.4 
			 £40.01 to £50.00 1.9 2.2 1.4 2.3 0.6 2.1 
			 £50.01 to £60.00 1.2 1.4 0.8 1.3 (23)0.4 1.5 
			 £60.01 to £70.00 1.3 1.5 0.9 1.6 (23)0.3 1.3 
			 £70.01 and over 11.7 13.6 10.2 17.1 1.5 5.7 
			
			  May 2000 
			 All cases 74.3 100.0 52.7 100.0 21.6 100.0 
			 Fees equal to or below IS 40.2 54.1 27.6 52.4 12.6 58.4 
			
			 Fees above IS 34.1 45.9 25.1 47.6 9.0 41.6 
			 of which above is by:   
			 £0.01 to £15.44(22) 11.1 15.0 7.0 13.2 4.2 19.3 
			 £15.45 to £20.00 2.1 2.9 1.1 2.0 1.0 4.8 
			 £20.01 to £30.00 2.9 4.0 2.0 3.9 0.9 4.2 
			 £30.01 to £40.00 2.4 3.2 2.0 3.8 (23)0.3 1.6 
			 £40.01 to £50.00 1.4 1.9 0.9 1.8 (23)0.5 2.2 
			 £50.01 to £60.00 1.2 1.6 1.0 1.8 (23)0.2 0.9 
			 £60.01 to £70.00 1.2 1.6 0.9 1.7 (23)0.3 1.5 
			 £70.01 and over 11.8 15.8 10.2 19.4 1.5 7.1 
		
	
	(22) Below the personal expenses allowance of £14.45 in May 1998, £14.75 in May 1999, and £15.45 in May 2000.
	(23) These figures are subject to a high degree of sampling variation and should be used as a rough guide to the current situation only.
	Notes:
	1. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred and expressed in thousands.
	2. Based on a 5 per cent. sample and therefore subject to a degree of sampling variation.
	Source:
	Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiries, May 1998–2000.

Manufacturing Redundancies

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what help has been given to manufacturing workers who have been made redundant in finding alternative employment.

Nick Brown: holding answer 4 July 2002
	We recognise the devastating impact redundancies can have on local economies and the people directly affected. Wherever major redundancies occur, in manufacturing or any other sector, Jobcentre Plus together with other key regional partners, will set up a task force to identify and provide the support needed by those affected. This can include help through the Rapid Response Service where appropriate.
	The aim of the Rapid Response Service is to provide support for those affected by redundancy and help people make the transition into sustainable new jobs. The nature of the help provided by the service will be tailored to the needs of the individuals, the employer, and the local labour market. This could include offering information, advice and guidance to those affected, help with jobsearch, facilitating retraining where necessary, or developing customised retraining programmes. People affected by redundancy can also have early access to Jobcentre Plus programmes such as the New Deals and Work Based Learning for Adults. Assistance is currently being made available to over 13,000 people from 47 different companies.
	On 1 April 2002, the Rapid Response Service became fully operational, supported by a further investment of £6 million over two years.

Benefit Entitlements (Rural Areas)

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what measures he is taking to increase (a) awareness and (b) accessibility of benefit entitlements in rural areas.

Nick Brown: holding answer 4 July 2002
	We are leading a fundamental overhaul of the welfare system, transforming it from a passive organisation paying out benefits to an active system that fights poverty, creates opportunity and helps people become self- sufficient and independent. To do this service delivery is being overhauled to offer distinct services that meet the different needs of the Department's client groups: pensioners, people of working age and children. We are investing in improved and modernised services that are easier for customers to access, make better use of technology, and are more accurate and secure.
	Jobcentre Plus is addressing the difficulties faced by people living in rural areas, both in securing employment and gaining access to its services. A key part of the new Jobcentre Plus process involves initial contact being made by telephone, improving service for people whose nearest office is a distance from their home.
	Customers can also access Employer Direct, Jobseeker Direct and the Benefit Enquiry Line (for people with disabilities) by telephone. In addition, they can access Worktrain, Learndirect and UK Online centres through the internet. Jobcentre Plus will continue to look for innovative ways of delivering and marketing its service, building on current experiments such as locating Jobpoints and other services in retail outlets and post offices.
	The local service element of the Pension Service is being developed to reflect the communities it serves in rural areas and it will take full account of the needs of individual communities. Among other things, it will raise awareness and encourage the take-up of benefits to which pensioners may be entitled. At present, a visiting service is provided for customers. From October 2002, we plan that the local service will start to provide surgeries for both appointments and drop-in calls.
	Drop-in surgeries will be available from April 2003 such as community centres or the premises of voluntary bodies regularly visited by pensioners, increasing awareness and accessibility of the Pension Service and its work. There will also be a network of formation points in similar locations and a benefits information service for care workers, volunteers and others to raise awareness of pensioner benefits.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Sudan

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to (a) the Government of Sudan and (b) the United Nations regarding plans to legalise female genital mutilation.

Denis MacShane: Our embassy in Khartoum has made representations at ministerial level in Khartoum, both bilaterally and in co-ordination with EU partners, on the Sudanese Government's reported plans to legalise female genital mutilation (FGM). The Government of Sudan reassured us that there were no plans to legalise the practice. The embassy also works closely with Sudanese civil society groups in advocating the eradication of FGM. It forms part of the campaign for ratification of the UN Convention on the Eradication of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in which we have actively supported the growing women's rights movement and UN attempts to address these issues. In particular, our embassy has on-going discussion with UNICEF. We have also funded various project aimed at eradication of FGM, including the national advocacy campaign for 2002–03.

Arms Sales

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the licence applications his Department has examined for arms exports to (a) India and (b) Pakistan since January 2000; and how many of his Department (i) supported and (ii) opposed.

Mike O'Brien: For a list of application approved by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Trade and Industry to the right hon. and learned Member for North-East Fife (Mr. Campbell) on 13 June 2002, Official Report, column 1377W.
	However, views expressed by any individual Department involved in the licensing process fall under the description of "internal discussion and advice", the disclosure of which would harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion. Such information is exempt from disclosure under Exemption 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government information.

Arms Sales

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has held with the (a) Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, (b) Secretary of State for Defence and (c) Secretary of State for International Development regarding arms export licences to (i) Pakistan and (ii) India.

Mike O'Brien: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with his counterparts in the Department of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Defence and the Department for International Development on export licensing issues but details of specific discussions fall under the descriptor of "internal discussions and advice" and are exempt from disclosure under Exemption 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Zimbabwe

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the European Union travel ban on President Mugabe.

Denis MacShane: On 18 February, EU Ministers imposed a travel ban on 20 named members of the Zimbabwe regime (common position 2002/145/CFSP). Under Article 15 of the Treaty on European Union, all member states are obliged to implement common positions.
	Mugabe was recently refused entry to France. Where international commitments to the UN and Interpol have obliged member states to let Mugabe and others into the EU, the terms of their entry have been as restrictive as possible.

Zimbabwe

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what (a) Commonwealth, (b) European Union and (c) other countries have sanctions against Zimbabwe; and what form they take.

Denis MacShane: On 19 March, Zimbabwe was suspended from the Councils of the Commonwealth.
	On 18 February, the EU imposed a travel ban and asset freeze on 20 senior members of the Zimbabwe Government. It also imposed an arms embargo.
	A travel ban has been imposed by the United States, Norway, Switzerland and New Zealand.

Zimbabwe

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when and where the ZANU- PF members who are under travel sanctions have travelled since the inception of the travel sanctions.

Denis MacShane: On 18 February, EU Ministers adopted a common position (2002/145/CFSP) which imposed a travel ban within the EU on Mugabe and 19 other named members of the Zimbabwe regime.
	The EU common position allows member states to grant exemptions to the travel ban 'on the grounds of humanitarian need, including religious obligation, or on grounds of attending meetings of international bodies or conducting political dialogue that promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Zimbabwe'.
	Under the terms of the EU travel ban, France was obliged to permit Police Commissioner Chihuri to attend an Interpol meeting in Lyon on 14–16 May, and Italy was obliged to permit Mugabe to attend a UN conference in Rome on 10–13 June.

Zimbabwe

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with (a) Government colleagues and (b) other Governments about potential measures the international coalition could take regarding the actions of the Mugabe regime.

Denis MacShane: My right hon. Friend, the Foreign Secretary, has discussed Zimbabwe with Government colleagues. He remains in regular touch with EU, US and Commonwealth colleagues on further international responses to the situation in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was discussed at his meeting with the Southern African Development Community concerning Zimbabwe; and what the outcome of this meeting was.

Denis MacShane: My right hon. Friend, the Foreign Secretary, has not attended a meeting with the Southern African Development Community.

Zimbabwe

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met a member of ZANU-PF; and what was discussed.

Denis MacShane: My right hon. Friend, the Foreign Secretary, raised the situation in Zimbabwe with Foreign Minister Mudenge, in New York on 10 November 2001.

Zimbabwe

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings with non-EU countries he has scheduled in the next six months on the topic of Zimbabwe.

Denis MacShane: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, will discuss Zimbabwe, at every appropriate opportunity, with concerned members of the international community.

Zimbabwe

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with Nelson Mandela on his potential inclusion in seeking a solution to Zimbabwe's problems; and what his response has been.

Denis MacShane: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, has not held discussions with Nelson Mandela on seeking a solution to Zimbabwe's problems. The Foreign Secretary discussed Zimbabwe with South African Foreign Minister, Zuma, on 20 June.

Zimbabwe

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of the international community's freezing of ZANU-PF's assets.

Denis MacShane: The UK has frozen £76,000 in assets belonging to the members of ZANU-PF who are covered by the EU common position (2002/145/CFSP on 18 February). The freezing of ZANU-PF assets has put the financial markets of the EU and Switzerland off limits to those on the banned list. It has also helped signal the increasing isolation of the ZANU-PF elite.

Nepal

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what level of military assistance is to be offered to the Government of Nepal; and if he will make a statement.

Mike O'Brien: We are very concerned about the situation in Nepal. The brutal Maoist insurgency is undermining Nepal's young democracy and fragile economy, and adding to the regional instability. The Nepalese Government will continue to have our full support in dealing with the political, military and developmental aspects of the crisis. We are working with our international partners to develop an integrated approach to security, reform and development. We believe military assistance should be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to a resolution of the conflict.
	We have provided considerable assistance to the Nepalese Government in the form of training and logistical support for the RNA. This includes training for the Royal Nepalese Army in media operations training, civil affairs training and human rights awareness training. We have also provided low level assistance in the form of various items of logistical equipment. This includes communications equipment and a number of used vehicles.
	We plan to give further assistance in the areas of intelligence, military training and equipment in the future.

Public Inquiries

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on using 0870 telephone numbers for inquiries by the public to the Department and its agencies.

Denis MacShane: Once the integrated voice recognition system for consular travel advice is operational, it will be accessible via an 0870 number. Travel advice is also available on the FCO website.

Macedonia

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the United Kingdom Government will ratify the Association and Stabilisation Agreement with the FYR of Macedonia.

Denis MacShane: The EU has made clear that further progress in Macedonia's relations with the European Union is closely tied to the implementation of the August 2001 Framework Agreement. We will continue to monitor progress, particularly during the forthcoming election period. If the conditions in Macedonia are right the UK hopes to ratify the Stabilisation and Association Agreement after the summer.

Refugees

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's obligations pertaining to refugees under the 1951 Geneva Convention.

Denis MacShane: As a State party to the 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol relating to Refugees, the UK has an obligation under international law to protect people fleeing persecution.
	This is enshrined in Article 33(1) of the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees, which provides that
	"No contracting state shall expel or return ("refouler") a refugee in any manner whatsoever to the frontiers of territories where his life or freedom would be threatened on account of his race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion".
	Further rights include the right not to be expelled under certain, strictly defined conditions (Article 32); exemption from penalties for illegal entry into the territory of a contracting state (Article 31); the right to work (Article 17); the right to housing (Article 21); the right to education (Article 22); the right to public relief and assistance (Article 23); the right to freedom of religion and to free access to courts (Article 4 and 16); freedom of movement within the territory (Article 26); the right to be issued with travel documents (Articles 27 and 28).

Ministerial Meetings

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what he discussed at his recent meeting with South African Foreign Minister Zuma; and what the outcome was.

Denis MacShane: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, met South African Foreign Minister, Zuma, on 20 June. They discussed a range of issues including Zimbabwe and the world summit on sustainable development (WSSD).

European Institution Costs

David Atkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the total cost is in the latest available year of the (a) European Union, (b) Council of Europe, (c) Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and (d) Western European Union, including their respective parliamentary assemblies; and how much the United Kingdom contributes to each.

Peter Hain: The adopted EU budget for 2002 totals euro 95,655 million (or £58.2 billion). The UK financing share, after abatement, is 13.51 per cent. (approximately £7.863 billion). The Council of Europe's budget for 2002 is £103 million, of which the UK contributes £15 million. The 2002 budget for the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe is euro 177.5 million: the UK contribution (including staff costs etc.) amounts to some £22.6 million. The Western European Union's budget for 2002 totalled euro 16.8 million, of which the UK share was approximately euro 2.7 million.

European Arrest Warrant

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what powers the Government have to withhold their consent to decisions reached at the Council of Ministers; and if he will make a statement, with particular reference to the context of the European arrest warrant.

Peter Hain: The resolution of the House of Commons dated 17 November 1998 sets out the terms under which the Government may agree to legislative proposals in the Council of Ministers. The Government are required to withhold their consent to legislative proposals until parliamentary scrutiny has been completed. The resolution allows Ministers to give their agreement in certain limited circumstances before scrutiny has been completed.
	In negotiations, the Government can withhold their consent to a proposal for legislative action by the Council of Ministers at any stage up to its formal adoption. However, opposing or abstaining on a proposal would not necessarily prevent the proposal being adopted if the voting was QMV.
	On the question of the European arrest warrant, a general approach on the framework was agreed in December 2002. The framework decision was formally adopted at the Justice and Home Affairs Council in June 2002.

Gibraltar

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether an agreement has been reached to share sovereignty of Gibraltar with Spain.

Peter Hain: I refer my hon. Friend to my statement in Westminster Hall on 18 June 2002, Official Report, column 38WH.

Gibraltar

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is his policy that any (a) agreement concerning the sovereignty of the military base in Gibraltar and (b) agreements on any aspect of the future status of Gibraltar will be put to the people of Gibraltar in the form of a referendum.

Peter Hain: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave the hon. Member for North Dorset (Mr. Walter) on 16 April 2002, Official Report, column 451. As previously stated, the Government will continue to stand by their commitments to the people of Gibraltar as set out in the preamble to the Gibraltar constitution.

Gibraltar

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is his policy that the military base in Gibraltar will remain under sole British sovereignty under the terms of any agreement on the future status of Gibraltar.

Peter Hain: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave the hon. Member for North Dorset (Mr. Walter) on 16 April 2002, Official Report, column 451.

Gibraltar

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on which occasions since 1996, and how, the Government raised with the Government of Gibraltar matters of concern relating to pensions and related benefits.

Peter Hain: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 8 May 2002, Official Report, column 243W. I raised the matter again in a letter to the Chief Minister of Gibraltar on 16 May.

Cyprus

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role Lord Hannay performs in the present discussions taking place between the President of Cyprus and Mr. Denktash on Cyprus; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: Lord Hannay was appointed as the special representative of the British Government in 1996 to give support and new impetus to UN efforts to find a Cyprus settlement; he has worked hard at this for more than six years and the Government are grateful for his efforts.
	The current direct talks to find a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement are attended by the two leaders in Cyprus and the UN. We understand and support the request of the Secretary-General of the United Nations that the content of the talks should not be publicised.

Cyprus

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on a suitable settlement between the two communities in Cyprus.

Peter Hain: The Government are committed to seeing a major, sustained effort towards securing a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement in Cyprus and strongly support the direct talks in Cyprus between the two leaders which have been in progress since January under the auspices of the UN Secretary General's Good Offices Mission. Our aim is for a reunited Cyprus to accede to the EU.
	It is for the two sides in Cyprus to agree the terms of a settlement.

Cyprus

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is the Government's policy that a settlement on the future of Cyprus should involve (a) the establishment of a new central state with a new flag, and (b) one Turkish state in the north and one Greek state in the south; if it is his policy to regard Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots as two peoples; if Lord Hannay's recent statements on the matter represent the Government's policy; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: It is for the two sides in Cyprus to agree the terms of a settlement and it is thus for them to agree on such matters as the powers and attributes of the common state and the component states, as they are currently being labelled in the negotiations. However, it has been common ground, since as long ago as the negotiations in 1992, that the outcome of any successful negotiations would be a new Cyprus, with different institutions from those in the 1960 constitution. These 1992 negotiations envisaged a Cyprus composed of a Greek Cypriot Federated State and a Turkish Cypriot Federated State.
	I used the phrase "two peoples" when visiting the island of Cyprus in April 2002. Lord Hannay repeated this phrase in a recent interview in his capacity as the Government's Special Representative on Cyprus. I often refer to the Welsh and Scottish people. In no way am I suggesting that people cannot be Welsh, British and European at the same time.

International Criminal Court

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the implications of the International Criminal Court for British soldiers and citizens.

Denis MacShane: The purpose of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is to ensure that the most serious crimes of international concern—genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity—do not go unpunished. The Rome Statute establishing the Court is based on the principle of complementarity: the ICC only steps in where states are unwilling or unable genuinely to investigate or prosecute. The crimes covered by the ICC have been incorporated into UK law. Since the United Kingdom would investigate any serious allegations, it is inconceivable that the ICC would assume jurisdiction.

International Criminal Court

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to encourage the United States to accept the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.

Denis MacShane: We are in regular contact with the US Administration in respect of this issue. Officials have made several approaches, both bilaterally and in conjunction with EU partners, encouraging the US to ratify the Rome statute. And we have repeatedly made clear that, while we understand US concerns that the court might bring malicious or politically-motivated charges against US personnel, we do not share them, since the statute contains safeguards against this.

EU Information/Communication Strategy

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his policy towards the European Commission document on a Strategy of Information and Communication for the European Union; and what measures he will undertake to ensure impartiality in such information campaigns.

Peter Hain: We welcome the Commission's document, which is a useful analysis of efforts so far by European Union institutions and member states to explain the European Union's work to the people of the European Union. It includes recommendations on how the institutions could do that job better, in partnership with member states.
	The Government fully support the aim of explaining the practical benefits of British membership of the European Union to our citizens, in a straightforward and factual way. We look forward to working with our European partners to do just that.

European Council (Public Access)

Rudi Vis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to Presidency Conclusions of the Seville European Summit, Annex II, Section E, what plans the Government have for (a) providing public facilities for viewing and listening to Council deliberations on legislation adopted by the co-decision procedure with the European Parliament (i) in London, (ii) in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and (iii) in major towns and cities in England, (b) publicising such facilities and the dates and times of the relevant Council meetings and (c) ensuring that access to such premises will be free of charge.

Peter Hain: The detailed arrangements for greater Council transparency, agreed at Seville, are still under discussion. It is clearly too early to judge the likely extent of media take-up of Council proceedings. But the Government remain committed to the principle that the work of the European Council should be accessible to the widest possible European public.

Chagos Archipelago

David Borrow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the latest phase of the feasibility study into resettling the outer islands of the Chagos Archipelago will be completed.

Mike O'Brien: We have now received Phase 2B of the consultants report on whether it would be feasible for the Chagossians to return and live on the outer islands of the British Indian Ocean Territory (the Chagos archipelago). Copies of the report will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. We are also sending copies to the Government of Mauritius and the Chagossians' lawyers in the United Kingdom.
	While the report concludes that short term habitation for limited numbers on a subsistence basis is possible, it also emphasises that any long-term resettlement would be precarious and costly.

Minority Languages

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the Government will submit its first report on implementation of the Council of Europe Charter for regional or minority languages.

Denis MacShane: I am pleased to announce that the report was submitted to the Council of Europe on 1 July. The report details the measures taken by the Government and the devolved Administrations to fulfil the UK's obligations under the Charter for Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Irish, Scots and Ulster-Scots. Copies of the report have been placed in the Library of the House.

Drug Trafficking

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations, and when, his Department has made to the Governments of (a) Afghanistan, (b) the Bahamas, (c) Bolivia, (d) Brazil, (e) Burma, (f) Cambodia, (g) China, (h) Colombia, (i) Dominican Republic, (j) Ecuador, (k) Guatemala, (l) Haiti, (m) Hong Kong, (n) India, (o) Jamaica, (p) Laos, (q) Mexico, (r) Nigeria, (s) Pakistan, (t) Panama, (u) Paraguay, (v) Peru, (w) Taiwan, (x) Thailand, (y) Venezuela and (z) Vietnam, concerning the trafficking of illegal drugs to the United Kingdom through their territories; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: We are in regular dialogue with the Governments of countries where Class A drugs are produced or trafficked. Our strategy has been to build local law enforcement capability to interdict the supply of drugs destined for the UK as close to its source as possible.
	In Afghanistan, which is the source of 90 per cent. of the heroin found on the UK's streets, we are co-ordinating international anti-narcotics assistance. By working with international partners and agencies we aim to eliminate opium poppy, build institutions, increase law enforcement capacity, assist the creation of alternative livelihoods and address growing drug demand. The UK also provides anti-drugs assistance, in the form of training and equipment, to Afghanistan's neighbours and other countries on the heroin supply route to the UK.
	We also have regular contact with the Governments of Colombia, Peru and Bolivia, who together produce virtually all of the world's cocaine. We are providing training and equipment for local law enforcement agencies in all three states to assist their respective Governments to tackle the problem. We are also active in supporting projects to build local capability in other South American countries through which drugs are trafficked. The Caribbean, through which much of the cocaine trafficked to the UK is transshipped, has also been the focus for much of our assistance, both bilaterally, and through multi-lateral fora.

Laeken Declaration

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's understanding of the meaning of the phrase "political union" in the Laeken declaration; and if he will cite the previous occurrences of that phrase in documents agreed by the European Council.

Jack Straw: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Minister for Europe gave to the hon. Member for West Suffolk (Mr. Spring) on 2 July 2002, Official Report, column 273W.

Ivory Coast

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the Government have taken to ensure that the recommendations of the National Reconciliation Forum in Côte d'Ivoire have been implemented, including the granting of nationality to Alassane Ouattara; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: The UK followed closely the National Reconciliation Forum in Côte d'Ivoire. The Minister for Africa, my noble Friend Baroness Amos, sent a message to the President of the Forum, welcoming its conclusions.
	We have taken every opportunity, along with our European partners, to encourage the Ivorian Government to implement the forum's recommendations.
	The Government consider the recent granting of a nationality certificate to Mr. Ouattara a positive step forward. We hope that further implementation of the forum's recommendations will follow.

Ivory Coast

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the Government have taken to ensure that the election process in Côte d'Ivoire prior to the local elections on 7 July has been fair and free for all parties concerned, with special regard to the distribution of identity cards required for voter registration; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: Officials from our embassy in Abidjan have participated, along with our European partners, in several meetings with the CEI (Independent Electoral Commission) and made representations to the Ivorian Government to emphasise our concerns that the elections should be free, fair and inclusive.
	We welcome the Ivorian Government's commitment to distribute new identity cards in advance of the poll on 7 July.

Ivory Coast

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent tensions between Government supporters and opposition party supporters in Daloa, Côte D'Ivoire.

Jack Straw: A state of emergency has been announced and Daloa placed under curfew until 15 July. The Ivorian Minister of the Interior, Boga Doudou, accompanied by the head of the armed forces, General Doue, visited Daloa on 26 June for talks with local political and community leaders in an attempt to defuse the situation further.
	We welcome the Ivorian Government's actions to calm the situation and support their call to all political parties to exercise restraint during the election campaign.

Ivory Coast

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many opposition supporters he estimates were killed during the clashes between Government supporters and opposition party supporters in Daloa, Côte d'Ivoire.

Jack Straw: According to official Ivorian Government estimates, six people have been killed and approximately 50 injured in clashes in Daloa, Côte d'Ivoire, since 25 June.

UK/US Relations

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and the United States.

Denis MacShane: The United States is one of our closest allies. The closeness of the relationship was reinforced by the events of 11 September. There are regular UK ministerial meetings with State Department and other Administration officials in Washington. The Foreign Secretary talks regularly with the Secretary of State. Parliament has close links with Congress and our ambassador in Washington and his embassy have access to the US Administration across a wide range of issues. The UK probably has more high level daily contacts with the US than any other country allowing us to foresee problems and work hard to iron out our differences. HMG would welcome increased contact between legislators in the Commons and Congress.
	We will maintain and build on these ties to strengthen the relationship with the US, our largest bilateral trading partner and inward investor.

EU Budget

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the contribution of an average UK family to the EU budget in 2000.

Ruth Kelly: I have been asked to reply.
	No such estimate has been made. However, based on data published by the European Commission and European Court of Auditors, the UK's net contribution to the EC budget in 2000 was £63.1 on a per capita basis. This figure includes the UK's payments to and receipts from the EC budget, but does not, however, capture other benefits which membership of the EU brings to the UK through closer economic ties with our neighbours. For example, over three quarters of a million UK companies now trade with the rest of the EU, which accounts for over 50 per cent. of the UK's total exports, and affects around 3 million UK jobs.

LORD CHANCELLOR

Queen's Counsel

Keith Vaz: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many complaints she has received from applicants for appointment as Queen's counsel about the way the system has operated in the last three years.

Rosie Winterton: Prior to the creation of the Commission for Judicial Appointments in March 2001, there was no formal complaints procedure for unsuccessful applicants for Queen's counsel. It has not been possible to identify from departmental records whether any complaints were received, and if so, how many prior to the creation of the commission. Since the establishment of the Commission for Judicial Appointments, three complaints have been received.

Child Contact Centres

Paul Burstow: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department which members are undertaking work on the Child Contact Centre Working Group; and when it plans to set out standards for child contact centres.

Rosie Winterton: The Child Contact Working Group is facilitated by the Lord Chancellor's Department. It comprises 20 representatives from the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC), other child contact centre services, the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service and legal practitioners. The working group launched its consultation on definitions of contact centre services on 11 May 2002. The consultation ends in October 2002. The working group aims to reach conclusions in December 2002.

Court Buildings, Somerset

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what damage has been sustained by court buildings in Somerset in the last two years.

Yvette Cooper: There have been two significant incidents of damage within the last two years. On 19 April 2002 at Taunton combined court there was flood damage caused by excessive water mains pressure. Works are due to be completed in July 2002 at a cost of £85,000. On 17 December 2001 at Yeovil county court, the coping stones in the car park wall were dislodged when hit by a car. Remedial work was completed in May 2002 at a cost of £1,410.

Justices of the Peace

Doug Naysmith: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans she has to require employers to give paid leave to Justices of the Peace in their employment; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: The Lord Chancellor has no such plans. Section 50 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 requires employers to allow reasonable time off for undertaking magisterial and other duties. Many employers do allow time off with pay, but where they do not, a magistrate may claim financial loss allowance at a fixed rate.
	The Lord Chancellor has taken initiatives in the past, including a handbook for employers, produced in collaboration with the Magistrates Association to encourage employers to play an active part in the local community by allowing time off for staff to undertake magisterial duties. He will consider further ways of encouraging the support of employers as part of a national recruitment strategy.

Justices of the Peace

Doug Naysmith: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will revise the provisions under the guidance notes on justices' allowances, so as to base the daily allowance for loss of earnings on actual earnings; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: The financial loss allowance is based on average earnings. I appreciate this may not fully compensate some justices for the loss they suffer, but using this method is considered the most equitable way of striking a balance to cover the differing trades and professions within the magistracy.

Crown Court, Buckinghamshire

David Lidington: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what criteria she is using to determine the best location for a new Crown court in Buckinghamshire.

Yvette Cooper: The Lord Chancellor's Department will consider a variety of factors including the following: population densities (current and projected), quality and range of existing transport links including public services, travel distances for court users, accessibility to court users including the disabled, availability of suitable accommodation, location of other justice agencies, security, cost, existing services and facilities.

Crown Court, Buckinghamshire

David Lidington: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what degree of importance he is giving to accessibility in deciding the location of a new Crown Court in Buckinghamshire.

Yvette Cooper: The Lord Chancellor's Department places a very high level of importance on the accessibility of any potential new courts. Consideration is given to a number of factors including public transport, road and rail links, parking and access for the disabled.

Crown Court, Buckinghamshire

David Lidington: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the accessibility of a new Crown Court in (a) Milton Keynes and (b) Aylesbury to people living in Buckinghamshire.

Yvette Cooper: To date, no detailed assessment has been undertaken on the accessibility of a potential new Crown Court for Buckinghamshire. Plans are at the preliminary stage and the Court Service is still considering all of the various options available, taking into account the outcome from the current Spending Review.

Legal Services Ombudsman

Meg Munn: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the Legal Services Ombudsman intends to publish her Annual report for 2001–02.

Yvette Cooper: The Legal Services Ombudsman has today published her eleventh Annual Report, and copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

CABINET OFFICE

Civil Service Pension Scheme

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment he has made of the proportion of the rise in Government liabilities resulting from unfunded parts of the civil service pension scheme in the last five years due to (a) wage inflation, (b) longevity, (c) extension of the rights of part-time workers and (d) other factors; and if he will make a statement.

Douglas Alexander: The principal civil service pension scheme (PCSPS)—the occupational pension arrangement for civil servants—is an underfunded pension scheme made under the Superannuation Act 1972. All payments of pension and related benefits to former members of the PCSPS or their dependants are made from the civil superannuation vote, for which the Cabinet Office is accountable.
	The PCSPS is subject to regular actuarial review by the Government Actuary. Intermediate valuations are produced for resource accounting purposes which provide updated liability figures. The actuarial reviews include full allowance for the effects on the liabilities of the PCSPS of such factors as price inflation, salary growth, membership changes and pensioner mortality assumptions.
	The liabilities of the PCSPS at the earliest review during the last five years were calculated to be £45.4 billion as at 30 September 1966. They were estimated at £58.6 billion as at 31 March 2000 in the latest resource accounts (HC 554). The increase over the period is in line with that expected by the actuary.
	Information in the form requested is not readily available. However, allowance for the continuing improvement in pensioner longevity, price inflation and real wage growth are in order of importance the main factors behind the increase in liabilities. Extension of the pension rights of part-time workers is not a significant factor.

Ministerial Salaries

John Bercow: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the annual cost was of ministerial salaries in his Department in (a) 1997–98 and (b) 2001–02.

Douglas Alexander: The level of ministerial salaries are recommended by the senior salaries review body. From May 1997, in this Department there were two Cabinet Ministers, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and the Leader of the House of Lords, at an annual salary of £43,991 and £58,876 respectively; one Minister of State at an annual salary of £31,125; and one parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at an annual salary of £23,623. From June 2001, there were two Cabinet Ministers, the Deputy prime Minister and First Secretary of State, and the Leader of the House of Lords, at an annual salary of £68,157 and £90,562 respectively; two Ministers of State, at an annual salary of £35,356, one Minister of State (the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster) at an annual salary of £70,283; and one Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, at an annual salary of £26,835.

TREASURY

Female Staff

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the staff of his Department are women; and what the percentage was in June 1997.

Ruth Kelly: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to him by the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 5 July Official Report, column 622W.

Infant Deaths

Paul Marsden: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many infant deaths per 1,000 live births there were in each constituency in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the national statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Paul Marsden dated 10 July 2002
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many infant deaths per 1,000 live births there were in each constituency in each year since 1997. (67870).
	Figures are available for the years 1997–2001. A combined rate for these years has been calculated for each constituency, as the number of infant deaths for individual years in some constituencies was too small to reliably calculate a rate or prevent disclosure. These rates have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Elderly People (Definition)

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the Government's definition of elderly is; and what proportion of the population in each region is considered elderly.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the national statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Bill Wiggin dated 10 July 2002
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your question concerning the definition of what elderly is, and what proportion of the population in each region is considered elderly. (68535).
	In response to your question, there is no official definition of what elderly is, but it is usually taken to include those who have reached retirement age, currently 65 for men and 60 for women. On this basis, the percentages of total population by Government Office Region for England, and for Wales, are given in the attached table.
	
		
			 Estimated resident population mid-2000: retirement age population as percentage of total population by Government Office Region for England, and for Wales Percentage of total GOR population 
		
		
			 North East 18.8 
			 North West 18.2 
			 Yorkshire and The Humber 18.3 
			 East Midlands 18.4 
			 West Midlands 18.2 
			 East 18.5 
			 London 14.3 
			 South East 18.5 
			 South West 21.0 
			 Wales 19.0 
		
	
	Source:
	Office for National Statistics, Population Estimates Unit

Statistics

David Willetts: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the figures on marriage, divorce and domestic violence will be added to the neighbourhood statistics section of the Office for National Statistics website.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. David Willetts, dated 10 July 2002
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning when the figures on marriage, divorce and domestic violence will be added to the neighbourhood statistics section of the Office of National Statistics website. (68482)
	There are no plans to add information on marriage, divorce and domestic violence to the Neighbourhood Statistics section of the ONS website in the near future. The next major update to the site will be the addition of statistics from the 2001 Census in 2003 and these will include information about the marital status of the population in local areas. Further datasets for nine statistical domains will be added to the website from 2003/04 onwards, in line with the need for better information set out in the Report of Policy Action Team 18 Better Information to meet the priorities for the National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal.

Royal Mint

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Royal Mint independent review will be complete; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The Royal Mint has issued an invitation to tender for an independent review to be completed. They expect to award a contract within the next dew days. Those invited have been told that the Mint would like the review to commence as soon as possible and to be completed as soon as feasible.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the EU Contact Committee on Combating Money Laundering is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive (a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The role and responsibilities of the Contact Committee on Money Laundering are set out in Article 13 of Council directive 91/308/EEC of 10 June 1991 on prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering ("Official Journal" L166, 28/06/1991 P.0077–0083).
	The committee meets at the request either of the chair or of the delegation of a member state. Since May 2001, it has met three times. The UK is represented by officials from HM Treasury and the Home Office. Representatives of the Scottish Executive do not attend, as money laundering is not a devolved matter.

Bulk Tankers

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to the United Kingdom marine insurance industry of the loss of bulk tankers in each of the past five years.

Ruth Kelly: None.

Comprehensive Spending Review

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff have contributed to his Department's input to the spending review.

Paul Boateng: A range of staff across the Treasury have contributed to work on the 2002 spending review. The work has been co-ordinated in the Public Services Directorate, which presently numbers around 220 staff.

Public Service Agreements

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what proportion of the public service agreements of his Department set out in the document, "Public Services for the Future 1998", have been met; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: Information relating to the Treasury's public service agreement targets can be found in the Treasury's departmental report 2002 (Cm5425).

Devolved Administrations

Adam Price: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Treasury sets limits on the contingent liabilities into which the devolved Administrations may enter.

Paul Boateng: No. Contingent liabilities entered into by the devolved Administrations fall to be met within their existing departmental expenditure limits if the contingent liabilities materialise.

Fire Prevention

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had on reducing the rate of VAT for fire prevention materials in the home.

John Healey: The Chancellor has had no recent discussions on this specific subject. Under the long- standing agreements which govern VAT law across the European Union, member states are only permitted to introduce reduced rates of VAT for a prescribed list of goods and services set out in annex H of the sixth VAT directive. General 'fire prevention materials' for use in the home are not among the items included in the annex H list.
	However, the UK's zero rate for the construction of new dwellings does include fire retardant building materials, as well as fire alarms, smoke detectors and fire safety equipment installed when a new home is being built. Similarly, the 5 per cent. reduced rate for residential conversions and renovations includes fire retardant building materials, fire alarms, smoke detectors and fire safety equipment installed at the time of the conversion.
	We have also reduced to 5 per cent. the VAT on grant funded installation of smoke alarms when these are installed at the same time as energy saving materials or central heating systems. This is part of the VAT reduced rate introduced to support DEFRA's home energy efficiency scheme (HEES). HEES grants are primarily targeted at less well off people aged over 60 or receiving specified benefits, so the related reduced rate is similarly well targeted at those who need help most.

Industrial and Provident Societies

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the increase in the Financial Services Authority fees for industrial and provident societies.

Ruth Kelly: The setting of fees is the responsibility of the Financial Services Authority in relation to the duties it performs under the relevant industrial and provident society Acts. The new level of fees has not yet been finalised and through consultation the FSA has listened carefully to the concerns that have been raised by some in the movement. That is why they have decided to review their proposals and have recently presented further options to societies and their representative bodies.

Hearing Aids

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he plans to make deaf employees exempt from paying tax on their hearing aids; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: The Government are continuing to remove barriers to work and ensure that disabled people do not face discrimination in the workplace. Regulations came into force on 9 July 2002, which will ensure that benefits for disabled employees which may be used both in and out of the workplace, such as a hearing aid, will not be liable to a tax charge.

Tax Credits

David Willetts: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many tax credit applications have been identified as appropriate for further investigation; how many have been investigated; how many of these investigations have proved fraudulent or non-compliant activity; how many penalties have been levied as a result; how many unsuccessful prosecutions have occurred; how many successful prosecutions have occurred; and how many custodial sentences have been passed in each of the last three years for the (a) WFTC and (b) DPTC.

Dawn Primarolo: The information requested is given in the table.
	
		
			  1999–2000(24) 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Cases identified for investigation(25) (a) 14,162 (a) 28,898 (a) 23,123 
			  (b) 251 (b) 808 (b) 824 
			 
			 Cases investigated(26) (a) 4,022 (a) 30,543 (a) 21,816 
			  (b) 110 (b) 644 (b) 801 
			 
			 Cases found to be non compliant (27)250 (27)5,213 (27)8,108 
			 
			 Penalties imposed (a) 3 (a) 235 (a) 512 
			  (b) 0 (b) 2 (b)12 
			 
			 Unsuccessful prosecutions(28) (a) 0 (a) 0 (a) 0 
			  (b) 0 (b) 0 (b) 0 
			 
			 Successful prosecutions(28) (a) 0 (a) 2 (a) 29 
			  (b) 0 (b) 0 (b) 0 
			 
			 Custodial sentences imposed (a) 0 (a) 0 (a) 7 
			  (b) 0 (b) 0 (b) 0 
		
	
	(24) Six months
	(25) Awards selected for inquiry with applicants in the period
	(26) Inquiries completed in the period
	(27) Separate figures are not available for WFTC and DPTC
	(28) Prosecutions completed in each period

Air Passenger Duty

Peter Duncan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many air journeys to and from (a) the United Kingdom and (b) Scottish airports were subject to the (i) standard and (ii) higher rate of air passenger duty in each of the last five years.

John Healey: Air passenger duty is applicable only to journeys by chargeable passengers on chargeable aircraft departing from a UK airport. Journeys to the UK from outside the UK may be subject to duties and taxes in the country of departure.
	Until 31 March 2001 there were two rates of duty, a lower rate for destinations within the European Economic Area (EEA) and a higher rate applicable to all other destinations. From 1 April 2001 four rates of duty have been in force, standard rates of duty for both EEA and non EEA destinations and reduced rates of duty for both EEA and non EEA destinations. An exemption from duty for flights from airports in the Scottish Highlands and Islands was introduced on 1 April 2001. The numbers of journeys made (in thousands) by chargeable passengers from the UK for the previous five financial years are given in the table.
	
		£000 
		
			 Financial year Higher rate (non EEA destinations)  Lower rate (EEA destinations) 
		
		
			 1997–98 19,359 39,328  
			 1998–99 20,583 42,986  
			 1999–2000 21,304 45,363  
			 2000–01 23,069 49,197  
			  (30)Non EEA (31)Non EEA (30)EEA (31)EEA 
			 2001–02(29) 2,669 19,349 4,433 52,152 
		
	
	(29) Provisional
	(30) Destinations (standard rates)
	(31) Destinations (lower rate)
	(b) No separate breakdown exists for chargeable journeys from Scottish airports.

Pharmaceuticals (Tax Incentives)

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will respond to the letters from the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan of 12 April and 5 June regarding tax incentives for pharmaceutical corporations that donate medicines overseas.

John Healey: I have done so.

Customs and Excise

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the adequacy of staffing levels at customs declaration desks at ports and airports of entry to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: Customs regularly review the allocation of their resources and deploy their staff based on the volume of work and an assessment of the risk related to the variety of international movements of freight and persons. Customs are also deploying their resources in a flexible and mobile way to optimise their ability to respond to the ever-changing patterns of international activity.

Working Families Tax Credit

Steve Webb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library a copy of the letter being issued to working families tax credit recipients in advance of the renewal of their six-monthly awards regarding method of payment.

Dawn Primarolo: A copy of the letter has been placed in the Library of the House.

National Insurance

Steve Webb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 2 July 2002, Official Report, column 291W, on National Insurance (Reduced Rates), on what basis the amount of the reduction in national insurance contributions available to married women paying the reduced rate is calculated.

Dawn Primarolo: There is nothing I can usefully add to what I said in my answer of 2 July 2002, Official Report, column 291W.

Inland Revenue

Steve Webb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what obligation there is on (a) employers and (b) individual employees to inform the Inland Revenue of a change of employee's address; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: None.

Condemnation Hearings

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if a defendant at a condemnation hearing is allowed to view evidence prior to the hearing being brought by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise in support of the case.

John Healey: In condemnation proceedings, it is Customs practice to disclose voluntarily the witness statements upon which they seek to rely, prior to the hearing. These statements are provided as a matter of courtesy once they are available.

Finance Bill

Michael Spicer: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many officials from his Department were in attendance in Parliament to Ministers during the proceedings on the Finance Bill on Wednesday 3 July.

Dawn Primarolo: As is customary, there were a number of officials from the Treasury in attendance, together with officials from the revenue departments appropriate to the issues tabled for the proceedings.

HEALTH

Waiting Lists

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the cases of waiting list manipulation his Department recorded in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000, (e) 2001 and (f) 1 January 2002 to date.

John Hutton: The National Audit Office report 'Inappropriate Adjustments to NHS Waiting Lists' (HC452 Session 2001–02, 19 December 2001) is available in the Library. The table lists the trusts involved in inappropriate adjustments and the timescales involved.
	
		
			 Trust Timescale involved 
		
		
			 St. Bartholomews and The London 1996 to November 2000 
			 Guy's and St. Thomas' Four years 
			 Plymouth Hospitals 1998–1999 
			 Salford Royal September 1998 to July 2001 
			 South Warwickshire General May to September 2000 
			 Stoke Mandeville August 2000 to January 2001 
			 Surrey and Sussex Healthcare About one year 
			 University College May 1999 
		
	
	Since publication of the report a further case at Bath has come to light which was highlighted by a press release (2002/0211) on 3 May 2002.
	The Government takes waiting list manipulation very seriously. The Department has asked the Audit Commission to initiate a system of spot-checks on waiting list statistics hospital-by-hospital. These spot-checks began this month.
	We will also from this year move to publish on the internet and elsewhere regularly-updated information on waiting for all major treatments at all providers.In future, any manager found to have deliberately distorted waiting figures will face dismissal on grounds of gross misconduct. This will be supported by a new code of conduct for National Health Service managers. Anyone who breaches that code of conduct will not be re-employed as a manager—anywhere in the NHS.

Radiographers

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many radiographers in London have left the NHS and been re-employed as agency staff during the last year; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: The Department does not collect this information.

Private Finance Initiative

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the projected average time is from conception to completion for a National Health Service Private Finance Initiative project; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: There is no prescribed timescale set by the Department for schemes to progress through the stages up to advertising a project in the Official Journal of the European Commission (OJEC). The length of time taken to produce the outline business case, undertake necessary consultations and obtain outline planning permission will depend upon circumstances specific to each scheme.
	The current indicative timetable from OJEC to financial close to eighteen months for major schemes; since March 2002 new initiatives have been introduced to further enhance the procurement process and ensure that the National Health Service obtains the best value from the current market and these aim to reduce this period.

Private Finance Initiative

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many National Health Service Private Finance Initiative projects (a) have been, (b) are and (c) are projected to be behind their initial completion date; what the (i) projected start date, (ii) actual start date, (iii) projected completion date and (iv) actual completion date is in each case; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: Indicative timetables are set for all schemes as part of good project management. Complex schemes experience difficulties for a variety of good reasons; these have their timetables revised as appropriate.
	Firm completion dates (for example when the hospital is open) are only set once contracts are signed for private finance initiative (PFI) schemes. The private sector suffers penalties if the completion date is not met. To date, all major PFI schemes have been opened on or ahead of their planned completion target date.

Arms-length bank

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in drawing up the legal and financial framework for the Arms-Length Bank controlled by the NHS.

John Hutton: Details regarding the legal and financial framework of the National Health Service Bank are under consideration.

Consultants

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the relationship is between the professional and executive groups of a primary care trust and consultants in hospital trusts; and what guidance has he given to ensure regular meetings between hospital consultants and the primary care trust.

John Hutton: holding answer 25 June 2002
	The Department has not issued any guidance on this subject and has no plans to do so. Devolving power within the national health service recognises that frontline clinicians are best placed to make decisions on how to run the local health service and gives the freedom for them to decide how they will develop relationships in running the health service locally. However, 'Shifting the Balance of Power: The Next Steps' (January 2002) makes it clear that primary care trusts (PCTs) need to develop close working relationships with partners in NHS trusts. The relationship that PCTs develop with their colleagues in NHS trusts, including consultants, will be central to PCTs effectively discharging their functions for example planning and commissioning services for their local populations. PCTs will need to ensure that they engage in effective dialogue with clinicians working within NHS Trusts if they are to secure the best possible services to meet the needs of the local population. It is, however, a matter for PCTs and hospitals to decide the detail of how they do this.

Car Parking Fees

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he takes account of money received by hospital trusts from car parking fees in the allocation of funds; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what recent representations he has received on the levying of car parking fees for (a) hospital staff and (b) visitors to hospitals;
	(3)  if he will estimate how much money was received by hospital trusts from car parking fees in the last year for which figures are available.
	(4)  what policy guidelines he issues to hospital trusts over the levying of car parking fees for (a) visitors and (b) staff; and if he will publish such guidelines.

David Lammy: National health service trusts can charge for car parking in order to raise additional income to improve the health service using income generation powers. Amounts collected from individual income generation schemes are not reported separately in trusts' accounts and the income raised is not taken into account in the allocation of funds to NHS trusts.
	The Department issued guidance to NHS trusts in January 1996 in the booklet 'NHS income generation, car parking charges, A guide to Implementation'. A copy of this is available in the Library. It is left to individual hospitals to decide whether or not to charge for car parking and the cost of such charges in light of local circumstances. Where car parking charges are introduced, patients who are eligible to claim reimbursement of travelling expenses under the hospital travel costs scheme may have the charges reimbursed.
	The Department of Health receives a small number of enquiries about car parking charges each year.

Psychiatric Beds

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many acute psychiatric beds were available for (a) children, (b) the elderly and (c) other ages in secure units within each (i) region and (ii) authority area in each of the last five years; what the occupancy rate was; and what delayed discharge issues occurred.

Jacqui Smith: Information is not available in the format requested.

Inappropriate Medication

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will estimate the (a) number and (b) percentage of over 75 year olds affected, and the cost to the NHS and the number of bed days lost from hospital wards from older people experiencing an adverse reaction or being prescribed inappropriate medication in the last 12 months;
	(2)  how many older people died from (a) experiencing an adverse reaction and (b) being prescribed inappropriate medication in the last 12 months.

David Lammy: The Medicines Control Agency (MCA) and Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) receive reports of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) submitted by doctors, dentists, pharmacists and coroners via the Yellow Card Scheme by doctors, and there is a legal requirement for companies to report 'suspected' ADRs to their drugs. In 2001, a total of 21,350 reports of 'suspected' ADRs were received through this scheme of which 1,964 ( 9 per cent.) occurred in patients over 75 years of age. The number of reports received via the yellow card scheme does not directly equate to the number of people who suffer adverse reactions to drugs for a number of reasons including an unknown level of under reporting. It is important to note that the reporting of a reaction does not necessarily mean it was caused by the drug and may relate to other factors such as the patient's underlying illness or other medicines taken concurrently.
	According to the Department's hospital episode statistics (HES) it is estimated that 151,571 bed days were lost in patients over 75 years of age during 2001 due to the adverse effects of drugs, medicaments and biological substances in therapeutic use. This estimate is based on 16,747 finished consultant episodes (FCEs) where the primary reason for admission was due to adverse effects of drugs, medicaments and biological substances in therapeutic use. FCES are not the same as the number of patients treated because a hospitalised spell can consist of more than one FCE. These figures would only include adverse drug reactions occurring in hospital if a different FCE resulted where the primary cause was the adverse drug reaction. Cost of treatment is not recorded in HES.
	Over the last 20 years, 'suspected' ADRs with a fatal outcome account for 2–3 per cent. of the reports submitted via the yellow card scheme. A total of 643 reports with a fatal outcome were received during 2001, of these 130 occurred in patients aged over 75 years. The Office of National Statistics also collates data on deaths certified by doctors and coroners as due to adverse effects of drugs in therapeutic use. The quality of these data may be inconsistent as many thousands of doctors write certificates with a wide variation in knowledge, training and practice. The latest available figures are for 2000, during which 84 of the 159 deaths that were certified as due to adverse effects of drugs occurred in persons aged 75 years and over.
	Figures are not available on adverse reactions resulting from patients being prescribed inappropriate medication.

Medical Training

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of doctors registered in (a) the UK and (b) Scotland in the last year have trained outside the UK.

John Hutton: The information available is shown in the following table. The General Medical Council, the body responsible for the registration of doctors, does not hold registers separately for different parts of the United Kingdom.
	
		New registrations with the GMC in 2001: place where primary medical qualification obtained
		
			  U.K. European Economic Area Rest of world  
			   Percentage  Percentage  Percentage 
		
		
			 Full registration 4,462 50 1,237 14 3,088 36 
			 Provisional registration 4,279 94 188 4 103 2 
			 Limited registration n/a  n/a  2,720  
			 Total 8,741 54 1,425 9 5,911 37 
		
	
	Source:
	General Medical Council

Renal Transplant Services

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received about the proposal to transfer renal transplant services from St. Helier to St. George's hospitals.

John Hutton: On 17 December 2001, I met with Lord Taverne to discuss the proposals to transfer renal transplant services from St. Helier Hospital to St. George's Hospital.
	The Department has also received forty-seven items of correspondence and four parliamentary questions about the same issue.

GPs

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many vacancies for general practitioners there were in the Portsmouth, South constituency in (a) 1997 and (b) 2001; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: We are aware of the difficulties experienced in the Portsmouth area in recruiting general practitioners. The reply of my hon. Friend the Member for Pontefract and Castleford (Ms Cooper) to the hon. Member of 4 February 2002, Official Report, column 784W, set out what action was being taken locally. As stated in that answer, information collected centrally on staff vacancies is published on the Department's website.

Smallpox Vaccine

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures were taken in awarding the contract for smallpox vaccines to Powderject, to ensure value for money.

John Hutton: holding answer 8 May 2002
	Since the eradication of smallpox worldwide, new, second- generation smallpox vaccine is not a well-established product subject to normal market pricing pressures. The price quoted by all the companies involved for their products were compared against each other, and the prices were also compared with the price being paid by the United States Government for its smallpox vaccine. Prices were also compared with those for current supplies from old vaccine stocks. On the basis of consideration of all the price information available relating to similar products, the vaccine was deemed to represent value for money at the price quoted.

Smallpox Vaccine

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when (a) the first official contact between ministers in his Department and Powderject concerning the smallpox vaccine and (b) the signing of the contract was; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: holding answer 8 May 2002
	Ministers had no contact with Powderject concerning the placing of the smallpox vaccine contact. The contract was signed on 11 April 2002. All meetings and subsequent discussions with the pharmaceutical companies were conducted by officials from the Department and the Ministry of Defence.

Smallpox Vaccine

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the smallpox vaccine ordered from Powderject will need to be trialled before it can be used.

John Hutton: No, the vaccine can be used without clinical trials. There are currently no plans to undertake clinical trials of the smallpox vaccine in the UK. Since smallpox does not currently exist in the population, trials of protective efficacy are not possible. The EU committee for proprietary medicinal products is currently developing the requirements for the manufacture of second generation smallpox vaccine, which will include guidance on the design of any clinical trials.

Capital Projects

Debra Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many major acute hospitals (a) have been procured and (b) are being procured via the non-PFI process; what the capital value of each project is; and what stage they are at in their procurement process.

John Hutton: Since May 1997, the following schemes have been approved under the public capital procurement process.
	
		Major publicly procured schemes operational
		
			 NHS Trust Value (£ million) Approved to go ahead Operational date 
		
		
			 Rochdale Healthcare 24.00 14 August 1998 1 August 2000 
			 Central Sheffield University Hospitals 24.00 19 September 1998 1 February 2001 
		
	
	
		Major publicly procured schemes with tender awarded
		
			 NHS Trust Value (£ million) Approved to go ahead Planned operational date 
		
		
			 Royal Berkshire and Battle Hospital 75.00 24 August 1998 27 July 2002 
			 Guys and St. Thomas 50.00 19 September 1998 1 May 2004

Front-line Staff

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what meetings Ministers from his Department had with members of the advisory task force on utilising front-line NHS staff; and when.

John Hutton: The national health service taskforce on staff involvement was established in 1998 to look at successful approaches to involving front-line staff and make recommendations to Ministers. It was disbanded once their report had been submitted to Ministers. The taskforce included thirteen representatives from across the NHS, a trade union and the private sector. The taskforce met the then Secretary of State for Health, the right hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras (Mr. Dobson), in July 1999 at the launch of the taskforce's report on staff involvement. The Department is currently working with the Modernisation Agency, the unions and NHS trusts to implement the recommendations of the report.

Director of International Recruitment for Health Services

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the (a) salary and (b) support costs are of his Department's Director of International Recruitment for Health Services in 2002–03.

John Hutton: The Department currently has no plans to recruit a Director of International Recruitment.
	The central Department team has been strengthened to enable all strands of international recruitment to be brought together and ensure that we continue to build on the success of the last 18 months using the international recruitment networks that have been established and the work force development confederations.

Primary Care Trusts

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the decision-making powers of (a) primary care trusts and (b) the Department of Health in the contracting of one of the new international establishments in a primary care trust's area.

John Hutton: Work is in hand, through the Department's Directorate of Health and Social Care, with the local leadership of the national health service to identify local health economies in which international establishment schemes can respond to real and sustained capacity needs. As the prospectus notes, NHS commissioners will have a key role, in conjunction with the Department, in defining requirements from such initiatives.

International Establishments Prospectus

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the international establishments prospectus, what more complex and larger-scale projects overseas companies will be involved in.

John Hutton: As set out in paragraph 4.8 of the prospectus, these projects are likely to involve a wider range of specialities, to involve more substantial capital investment, and/or to raise more complex contracting challenges than the first projects that are expected, depending on the nature of demand in local health economies to focus on orthopaedic and cataract services.

Foot and Mouth

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the UK vaccine evaluation consortium is undertaking work on a vaccine against foot and mouth disease.

Hazel Blears: The United Kingdom vaccine evaluation consortium evaluates vaccines for use in humans. As such, it would not be appropriate for this group to undertake work on a vaccine against foot and mouth disease.

Nursing

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what steps the Government have taken to recruit nurses to the NHS since 1 May 1997;
	(2)  what steps the Government have taken to improve recruitment to nursing in the NHS since 1 May 1997.

John Hutton: The Government are implementing a range of measures to improve recruitment and retention of all staff, including nurses. These include an increase in pay, encouraging the national health service to become a better employer through the "Improving Working Lives and Positively Diverse" programmes, increasing training commissions, reducing student attrition, running national and local recruitment and return to practice campaigns, and supporting international recruitment where appropriate. Further information on improving working lives is available at www.doh.gov.uk/iwl.
	Since 1997, the nursing work force has grown by 31,520. Between September 1999 and September 2001 there was a net increase in nurses working in the NHS of 20,740—the NHS Plan target has been reached two years early. Pay will have increased across the board for nurses and midwives by at least 26 per cent. since 1997 in cash terms.

Northwick Park Hospital

Mr. Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects work to begin on modernising Northwick Park Hospital's maternity service.

John Hutton: The full business case for the modernisation of maternity services at Northwick Park hospital was approved in April 2002. Work is expected to begin in March 2003.

Harrow Primary Care Trust Board

Mr. Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will list the members of the Harrow Primary Care Trust Board and indicate which of them are resident in the Harrow, West constituency;
	(2)  if he will list the members of the North West London Hospitals Trust board; and which of them are resident in the Harrow, West constituency;
	(3)  if he will list the members of the Hillingdon and Mount Vernon Hospitals NHS Trust board; and which of them are resident in the Harrow, West constituency.

John Hutton: Current membership of the three national health service boards, together with details of those living in Harrow, West constituency is as follows:
	Harrow Primary Care Trust:
	Chair:
	Mr. Geoffrey Derek Rose (lives in Harrow, West)
	Non-Executives:
	Ms Patricia Anne English
	Mrs. Maxine Offredy
	Mr. John Hunter
	Mr. Peter James Commins (lives in Harrow, West)
	Dr. Gillian Schiller (lives in Harrow, West)
	North West London Hospitals NHS Trust
	Chair:
	Dr. Alastair Hugh McDonald
	Non-Executives:
	Dr. John Green
	Ms Sally Anne Kirkwood
	Ms Marvelle Brown
	Mrs. Lettyce Angela Heath (lives in Harrow West)
	Ms Moira Black
	Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust
	Chair:
	Mr. Stephen John Coventry
	Non-executives:
	Mrs. Christine Beatty
	Mr. Obaid-Ur-Rahman Siddiqui
	Councillor Catherine Stocker
	Mr. Anthony Edmund Valentine
	Mrs. Ann Chapman.

NHS Pensions

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money was spent by the relevant pension fund on paying pensions to retired (a) NHS staff and (b) GPs in 2001–02; if he will estimate the corresponding amounts to be spent in (i) five years' time, (ii) 10 years' time, (iii) 20 years' time and (iv) 30 years' time; if he will estimate in each case the proportion of such liabilities which will arise from (A) unfunded pension schemes and (B) pre-funded pension schemes; and in the case of pre-funded schemes, if he will estimate the value of the corresponding pre-funded funds in each of these years.

John Hutton: The national health service pension scheme for England and Wales does not keep a separate record of the pensions paid to retired NHS staff and general practitioners. However, the total amount paid for 2001–02 by the NHS pension scheme in respect of pensions to retired members and their dependents was £2.8 billion.
	Using assumptions consistent with the periodic valuations of the NHS pension scheme the Government Actuary's Department has estimated the corresponding total amounts of pension expenditure in future years as follows (in constant earnings terms):
	Five years: £3.1 billion
	10 years: £3.5 billion
	20 years: £4.7 billion
	30 years: £5.8 billion.
	The NHS pension scheme is an unfunded scheme with members and employers paying contributions, as determined by the Government Actuary, to defray the cost of benefit provision. Because there is no pre-funding of the scheme's liabilities, these contributions have not been included as an offset to the above figures, although in practice they will be an offset to the cost.

Cancelled Operations

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether statistics relating to cancelled operations include those cancelled at cottage and community hospitals.

John Hutton: holding answer 2 July 2002
	Data are collected on the number of operations cancelled by English national health service trusts for non-clinical reasons on, or after the day the patient was due to be admitted. This definition covers all elective operations carried out as in-patient or day cases. Elective operations carried out in a cottage or community hospital are therefore included, but not separately identified by unit.

Mumps Vaccines

Julie Kirkbride: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what grounds the MCA in May ordered the destruction of mumps vaccines made in Switzerland that had been bought by Direct Health 2000 in the UK; and if mumps vaccines in the same batch were delivered to pharmacies in the UK.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 2 July 2002
	The Medicines Control Agency has no record of ordering the destruction in May 2002, of mumps vaccine made in Switzerland and bought by Direct Health 2000 in the UK. Consequently the MCA is not in a position to comment on supplies of any of the alleged batch of mumps vaccine made in Switzerland being delivered to pharmacies in the UK.

Overseas Treatment

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment has been made of the scheme to send patients overseas for treatment; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: Following a competitive tender exercise, the York University Health Economics Consortium were commissioned to evaluate the scheme to refer national health service patients overseas. That evaluation is almost complete. Copies of the final report will be placed in the Library, and published on the Department's website.

Information Technology

Mr. Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to increase the use of information technology across primary care; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: The new national health service information technology programme was outlined in the document, "Delivering 21st Century IT Support for the NHS: National Strategic Programme", published by the Department in June 2002.
	This outlines a major programme of investment in information technology, including the primary care sector. The NHS will build on the successful implementation of projects such as the Project Connect programme, which connected 98 per cent. of general practices to NHSnet, giving general practice staff full access to email and web resources, including the clinical evidence base; the electronic transfer of prescription pilots; and decision support developments such as PRODIGY.

Hospice Authorities

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he intends (a) blood products, (b) oxygen and (c) clinical waste to be financed by the NHS in connection with voluntary hospice authorities.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 4 July 2002
	The Chief Executive Bulletin (10–16 May) issue 117 reminded them that hospices should be reimbursed the full agreed pharmacy costs for medicines. This arrangement includes blood products that are licensed medicines and oxygen, in so much as it is permissible to prescribe it on the national health service.
	In the case of clinical waste, the responsibility for the disposal of clinical waste cannot be passed over to another party. Under the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, waste producers have a legal duty of care to properly dispose of their waste. In this case the hospice concerned would be the waste producer.

Hepatitis C

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 21 May 2002, Official Report, column 309W, what funding is available in 2002–03 for the strategy for hepatitis C.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 4 July 2002
	Advice from the multi-disciplinary steering group, set up to assist the Department in developing a strategic approach to hepatitis C, is currently under consideration as are related funding issues.

Haemophiliacs

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to make a decision on the provision of recombinant to haemophiliacs.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 4 July 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health my hon. Friend the Member for Pontefract and Castleford (Yvette Cooper) gave him on 11 June 2002, Official Report, column 1212W.

Teaching Hospital, Hertfordshire

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans there are to create a university teaching hospital in Hertfordshire; and if he will make a statement.

David Lammy: holding answer Thursday 4 July 2002
	There are currently no plans to create a university teaching hospital in Hertfordshire.

Copaxone

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when Copaxone will become available on the NHS.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 4 July 2002
	Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) is available on the national health service under the "risk-sharing scheme" for disease- modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis that came into operation on 6 May 2002.

Insulin Pump Therapy

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to receive guidance from NICE on insulin pump therapy.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 4 July 2002
	I understand that the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's provisional publication date for its guidance on insulin pump therapy is April 2003.

DNA

David Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his Department's proposals to prevent DNA samples being obtained from the public without consent.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 4 July 2002
	It is a general legal and ethical requirement for a health professional to seek consent before starting to treat or examine a patient, which would include the obtaining of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples. The position is laid out clearly in the Department's reference guide to consent for treatment and examination.
	There are exceptions to the principle of consent for certain uses of DNA samples, for example the obtaining of non-intimate DNA samples by the police for use in the prevention, detection or investigation of a crime.
	The human genetics commission's report "Inside Information" has recommended a new criminal offence of the non-consensual or deceitful obtaining or analysis of genetic information for non-medical purposes. The Government are still considering this report and will respond in due course.

Macular Degeneration

David Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to receive guidance from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence on the use of photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 4 July 2002
	The National Institute for Clinical Excellence published its final appraisal determination on photodynamic therapy on 12 June. This has been appealed against. An appeal panel will now be convened to hear the appeal and decide the outcome. If the appeal is not upheld then guidance will be published; however, if it is upheld, then the appeals panel will ask the appraisal committee to reconsider the evidence in light of the appeal panel's decision. The earliest guidance could be available to the national health service is early August.

Improving Working Lives Standard

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of (a) primary care and (b) hospital trusts have put Improving Working Lives standard into practice.

John Hutton: "Improving Working Lives" (IWL) is an integral part of the human resources performance management process within the national health service. Existing NHS organisations are required to achieve "Practice" stage of the standard by April 2003, and the target for new organisations is April 2004.
	Twenty trusts have already been assessed against the IWL standard and recommended as achieving "Practice" status ahead of the target date.

Prostate Cancer

David Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the use of PC SPES as a treatment for prostate cancer.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 10 July 2002
	PC SPES has not been licensed as a medicinal product in the United Kingdom. However, I understand that it has been recalled by its American manufacturers as it has been found to contain undeclared prescription drug ingredients. The four research studies into its effectiveness that are being funded by the national centre for complementary and alternative medicine in the United States have also been put on hold.

"Feet First Two"

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the recommendations of the report, "Feet First Two", are regarding (a) removal of regional and local variations in service provisions and (b) improving the availability of services in the south of England.

Jacqui Smith: We currently have no plans to publish any findings from the review of "Feet First". In April 2001, my right hon. Friend the Minister of State made a statement about the review in his response to a question from the hon. Member for Hazel Grove (Mr. Stunell). I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 10 April 2002, Official Report, column 604W.

NHS Appointments Commission

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of appointments to health trusts and authorities by the NHS Appointments Commission have been (a) women and (b) black or Asian.

John Hutton: The latest figures available (for April 2002) show that since the National Health Service Appointments Commission was established, 44.6 per cent. of appointments made to NHS boards have been women, and 8.9 per cent. from black and ethnic minority communities.

Cardiologists

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cardiologists are working in the NHS; and how many will be working in the NHS in 2002–03.

John Hutton: There were 590 hospital consultants working within the cardiology specialty in England as at 31 March 2002. This represents an increase of 26 per cent. since 1999 1 .
	We expect to see further significant growth this year.
	1 Source:
	Department of Health March 2002 Medical and Dental Consultant Workforce Census.

Nurse Consultants

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nurse consultants are employed in the NHS.

John Hutton: Over 750 nurse, midwife and health visitor consultants' posts have now been approved in 10 tranches, the first in January 2000 and the latest in June 2002.

HIV/AIDS

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have died from AIDS in the United Kingdom in the last 12 months.

Hazel Blears: There were 362 HIV/AIDS-related deaths in 2001 reported in the United Kingdom by the end of March 2002. This total, which includes deaths in HIV-infected individuals without reported AIDS, is likely to rise as late reports are received.
	Source:
	Public Health Laboratory Service

Diabetes

Colin Pickthall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department's estimate is of the average cost to the NHS of treatment for a diabetic in each of the last five years.

David Lammy: The only cost data currently collected centrally on diabetes relate to treatments undertaken by National Health Service Trusts. These exclude costs for diabetes within general practice and other primary care settings. Costs in the financial year 2000–01 are shown in the table. Comparable data are not available for earlier years.
	
		NHS trusts
		
			   Elective in-patients  Non-elective in-patients  Day case patients  
			  Number Unit cost (£) Number Unit cost (£) Number Unit cost (£) 
		
		
			 Diabetes with hypoglycaemic emergency (aged more than 69 or with co-morbidities) 48 1,395 3,027 954 10 222 
			 Diabetes with hypoglycaemic emergency (aged less than 70 or without co-morbidities) 198 796 2,406 567 97 352 
			 Diabetes with hyperglycaemic emergency (aged more than 69 or with co-morbidities) 22 1,808 3,164 1,126 4 253 
			 Diabetes with hyperglycaemic emergency (aged less than 70 or without co-morbidities) 26 1,024 6,072 659 9 261 
			 Diabetes with other hyperglycaemic disorder (aged more than 69 or with co-morbidities) 392 1,534 7,132 1,288 946 224 
			 Diabetes with other hyperglycaemic disorder (aged less than 70 or without co-morbidities) 389 871 6,250 686 2,503 274 
			 Diabetes with lower limb complications 523 2,183 5,280 1,726 82 323 
		
	
	Source:
	Reference Costs 2001—published on the Department of Health website at www.doh.gov.uk/nhsexec/refcosts.htm.

Diabetes

Colin Pickthall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on his spending priorities relating to diabetes;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on the adequacy of funding for the Diabetes National Standards Framework to meet the costs of diabetics in the period up to 2010.

David Lammy: Funding for diabetes is being considered as part of the current Government spending review, together with other priorities. The Budget provides the highest sustained growth in national health service history with annual average increases of 7.4 per cent. in real terms over the five years 2003–04 to 2007–08. Decisions about the allocation of the increased funding will be announced later this year.
	The pace of change for delivery of diabetes national service framework will take account of the resources that will be available.

Diabetes

Colin Pickthall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment his Department has made of the link between diabetes and CHD.

David Lammy: There is a well established association between diabetes and coronary heart disease. There are a number of common risk factors. In particular, people who are overweight or obese, those who are not physically active and those who do not enjoy a balanced diet are at greater risk of both Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. The standards for the diabetes national service framework, published in December 2001, highlight the importance of common strategies for prevention and treatment. In doing so, they build on the frameworks for coronary heart disease and older people.

Diabetes

Colin Pickthall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department's estimate is of the likely rise in cases of diabetes by 2010.

David Lammy: The Department provided the following prevalence projections to the Wanless review team for diabetes in England for the years up to 2010:
	
		
			 Year Diagnosed prevalence Total patients (million) 
		
		
			 2002 2.63 1.316 
			 2003 2.7 1.355 
			 2004 2.78 1.399 
			 2005 2.87 1.448 
			 2006 2.97 1.502 
			 2007 3.07 1.561 
			 2008 3.19 1.624 
			 2009 3.31 1.689 
			 2010 3.44 1.759 
		
	
	There are considerable uncertainties involved in predicting the increase in numbers of people with diabetes, due to the many factors that affect estimates including obesity, aging and ethnicity.

Diabetes

Colin Pickthall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department's estimate is of (a) the number of patients awaiting diagnosis for diabetes and (b) the percentage of newly diagnosed diabetics who show signs of complications.

David Lammy: Estimates of the number of people awaiting diagnosis for diabetes vary depending on which study is consulted. The Department has based its estimates upon the health surveys for England. Extrapolation from the 1993 survey, the largest and most representative study on this question, leads to an estimate of around 550,000 people currently with undiagnosed diabetes. However, other smaller studies suggest that the number could be greater.
	We have not estimated the percentage of people with newly diagnosed diabetes who show signs of complications.

Births and Abortions

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many women aged under 18 have (a) given birth and (b) had an abortion, in each year since 1997.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. David Willetts, dated 10 July 2002
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many women under 18 have (a) given birth and (b) had an abortion in each year since 1997. (68480)
	Figures are available for the years 1997–2000; these are shown in the table.
	
		Births and abortions to women aged under 18, residents of England and Wales
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 
		
		
			 Births(32) 
			 number 15,977 15,887 15,118 14,305 
			 rate(33) 16.9 16.9 16.2 15.2 
			 Abortions(34) 
			 number 16,092 17,186 16,561 17,082 
			 rate(33) 17.0 18.3 17.7 18.1 
		
	
	(32) Inclusive of live births and stillbirths.
	(33) Per 1,000 women aged 15–17.
	(34) Legal abortions under the 1967 Abortion Act.
	Sources:
	Births Statistics, Abortions Statistics (National Statistics Annual Reference Volumes published by the Stationery Office). Population estimates used to produce the rates were projected from 1991 census figures.

Private Sector

Christine Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the Government will publish its response to the First report of the Select Committee on Health on the role of the private sector in the NHS.

John Hutton: The Government's response to the First report of the House of Commons Select Committee on Health, on the role of the private sector in the national health service, Cm 5567, has been published today. Copies have been placed in the Library.

Organs and Tissue

Syd Rapson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish his consultative report on the law on the removal, retention and use of human organs and tissue.

David Lammy: I am pleased to announce that today, together with the Welsh Assembly Government, we have published a consultative report, "Human Bodies, Human Choices", on the law in England and Wales relating to human organs and tissue. Copies have been placed in the Library. Responses have been requested by 14 October.
	We are doing this in response to one of the main recommendations made to the Government last year by the Chief Medical Officer of England, Sir Liam Donaldson, in "The removal, retention and use of human organs and tissue from post-mortem examination".
	The knowledge that organs or tissue were removed from someone close to them has brought profound sorrow to many families. We understand their distress and are grateful to those families, and others, who have already offered their views on how things might be improved for the future.
	This is a complex area, and while a number of interim measures have been put in place, we need for the future an effective and coherent framework that not only commands widespread support, but also has legal force.
	The report seeks views on all issues, including organ donation and transplantation, relating to the use of human organs and tissue from the living as well as following post mortem examination. We look forward to receiving views from a wide range of organisations and groups.

Housing Adaptations

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department will produce the joint guidance on housing adaptations which will include a health and safety rating system.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Department of Health will publish joint guidance on housing adaptations as a consultation document in the autumn. The then Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions published a consultation paper on the housing health and safety rating system in March 2001. Full implementation of the rating system, which will replace the housing fitness standard, requires primary legislation which will be introduced as soon as a suitable legislative opportunity occurs.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Home Detention Curfew

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the prisoners under home detention curfew (a) broke their curfew and (b) re-offended while under curfew in (i) January, (ii) February and (iii) March; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: The table covers the period January–March 2002. It provides a breakdown of breaches of the Home Detention Curfew scheme as reported to the Prison Service by electronic monitoring contractors. A breach report may be submitted if an offender:
	is absent during part or the whole of a curfew period; or
	threatens or attacks a monitoring officer; or
	damages the monitoring equipment; or
	is absent when the equipment is due to be installed.
	The table also provides a breakdown of offenders who are reported to the Prison Service as having been cautioned, convicted or who are awaiting prosecution for an offence committed while they were subject to the Home Detention Curfew (HDC) scheme.
	The Home Detention Curfew scheme is designed to ensure a better transition for short-term offenders between custody and the community. The safety of the public is paramount at all times.
	
		
			  Month  Breaches of curfew reported to the Prison Service Offenders reported as having committed a further offence while subject to HDC 
		
		
			 2002   
			 January 45 7 
			 February 36 13 
			 March 39 15

Immigrants and Emigrés

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many people successfully immigrated to the UK in each year since 1995, broken down by country of origin;
	(2)  how many people successfully emigrated from the UK in each year since 1995.

Beverley Hughes: Estimates are available from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on the overall migration of persons to and from the United Kingdom (UK), where migration is defined in terms of a change of country of residence for a year or longer. These data include temporary migration of, for example, students and workers. The available statistics for 1995 to 2000, are given in the table.
	
		Table 1: Total international migration to and from UK(35) 1995–2000
		
			  1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 
		
		
			 Inflow   
			 All citizenships 320.7 331.4 340.7 401.5 450 482 
			 British 91.3 103.7 96.5 111.3 118.1 105.7 
			 Non-British 229.4 227.8 244.2 290.2 331.8 376.2 
			 European Union 59.1 69.5 71.5 77.6 65.7 62.8 
			 Commonwealth   
			 Old 29.5 32.1 34.6 59.9 57.1 60 
			 New 58.3 50.7 62 53 66.4 90.9 
			 Other foreign(36) 82.6 75.5 76 99.6 142.6 162.5 
			
			 Outflow   
			 All citizenships 212 238.4 248.8 223.7 268.5 298.5 
			 British 121.7 142.8 134.5 114.6 126.5 152.3 
			 Non-British 90.2 95.6 114.2 109.1 141.9 146.2 
			 European Union 36.6 42.7 52.3 47.1 58.4 55.1 
			 Commonwealth   
			 Old 16.3 15.8 18.5 18.6 28.5 30.9 
			 New 9.4 11.8 15.8 10 9.7 12.5 
			 Other foreign(36) 27.9 25.3 27.6 33.4 45.3 47.7 
		
	
	(35) Includes adjustments for asylum seekers, and for persons admitted as short-term visitors who are subsequently granted an extension of stay for other reasons—for example, as students or on the basis of marriage. Also includes migration flows between the UK and Irish Republic
	(36) Figures for all years include Hong Kong.
	The Home Office measure of immigration is different from that of ONS. Our statistics relate to the number of people granted settlement in the UK. These are mainly current residents, who have already migrated and are making their stay legally permanent, ie allowed to stay indefinitely. Data for 1995–2000 are given in the table.
	Unfortunately it is not possible for the Home Office to provide information on how many people have left the country, as the Immigration Service no longer routinely operates embarkation controls from which statistical information can be obtained.
	
		Table 2: Acceptances for settlement, by nationality, 1995–2000 -- United KingdomNumber of persons
		
			 Geographical region and nationality 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 
		
		
			 All nationalities 55,480 61,730 58,720 69,790 97,120 125,090 
			
			 Europe   
			 European economic area(37)   
			 Austria 10 ¡ ¡ —   
			 Belgium 10 ¡ ¡ ¡   
			 Denmark 10 10 ¡ 10   
			 Finland 10 ¡ ¡ ¡   
			 France 30 30 10 30   
			 Germany(38) 40 10 10 30   
			 Greece 10 10 10 20   
			 Iceland ¡ ¡ ¡ —   
			 Italy 20 20 10 20   
			 Luxembourg — — — —   
			 Netherlands 20 10 20 30   
			 Norway 10 10 10 ¡   
			 Portugal 20 20 20 110   
			 Spain ¡ ¡ 10 20   
			 Sweden 20 10 10 ¡   
			 European economic area(39) 220 120 110 270   
			
			 Remainder of Europe   
			 Bulgaria 150 200 160 180 280 300 
			 Cyprus 220 240 240 280 430 510 
			 Former Czechoslovakia 190 290 280 400 500 760 
			 of which:   
			 Czech Republic(40)240 270 420 
			 Slovakia160 230 340 
			
			 Hungary 130 200 180 180 190 250 
			 Malta 80 80 60 70 60 90 
			 Poland 580 640 570 580 620 830 
			 Romania 190 270 220 240 290 310 
			 Switzerland 150 210 200 250 220 220 
			 Turkey 1,170 3,720 4,230 2,360 5,220 5,210 
			
			 Former USSR 610 820 870 1,180 1,400 2,070 
			 of which:   
			 Estonia20 20 20 
			 Latvia40 30 60 
			 Lithuania50 110 130 
			 Russia(41)860 870 1,180 
			 Ukraine140 200 380 
			 Other former USSR80 160 300 
			
			 Former Yugoslavia 550 680 590 1,500 6,650 4,440 
			 of which:   
			 Croatia — — — 180 320 650 
			 Slovenia10 20 20 
			 Yugoslavia(41)870 5,760 2,640 
			 Other former Yugoslavia440 550 1,130 
			 Other Europe 20 20 30 60 130 140 
			 Remainder of Europe 4,030 7,370 7,640 7,300 15,980 15,100 
			 Europe 4,250 7,500 7,740 7,570 15,990 15,110 
			
			 Americas   
			 Argentina 60 50 50 60 60 80 
			 Barbados 70 80 60 100 70 100 
			 Brazil 330 390 330 350 410 460 
			 Canada 940 970 980 1,050 1,010 1,320 
			 Chile 40 60 70 50 50 80 
			 Colombia 280 270 240 370 650 810 
			 Guyana 190 200 170 180 130 200 
			 Jamaica 1,400 1,420 1,030 1,120 1,080 2,100 
			 Mexico 90 110 130 120 90 130 
			 Peru 100 80 110 100 140 160 
			 Trinidad and Tobago 380 340 280 320 280 490 
			 USA 3,960 4,030 3,900 3,940 3,760 4,580 
			 Venezuela 40 50 50 60 60 80 
			 Other Americas 310 430 390 2,950 750 940 
			 Americas 8,180 8,470 7,790 10,780 8,520 11,520 
			
			 Africa   
			 Algeria 440 400 370 710 1,130 1,010 
			 Angola 40 30 60 90 520 310 
			 Congo (Dem. Rep.)(43) 120 90 90 120 2,580 910 
			 Egypt 270 330 330 360 380 480 
			 Ethiopia 170 140 210 190 2,170 2,730 
			 Ghana 1,820 1,970 1,290 1,550 3,480 3,130 
			 Kenya 530 590 500 530 760 1,120 
			 Libya 70 110 120 160 160 370 
			 Mauritius 390 480 380 450 460 680 
			 Morocco 430 480 410 430 430 590 
			 Nigeria 3,260 3,220 2,540 2,950 3,180 6,520 
			 Sierra Leone 440 570 470 540 1,060 1,070 
			 Somalia 760 680 990 2,950 3,180 12,290 
			 South Africa 1,300 1,040 1,290 2,260 2,950 4,300 
			 Sudan 150 360 2,180 470 540 1,520 
			 Tanzania 250 220 150 220 240 420 
			 Tunisia 80 90 70 110 160 130 
			 Uganda 440 1,040 690 500 1,400 3,440 
			 Zambia 190 220 180 210 240 440 
			 Zimbabwe 330 360 340 410 430 980 
			 Other Africa 490 600 550 870 1,570 2,060 
			 Africa 12,000 12,970 13,200 16,090 27,020 44,480 
			
			 Asia   
			 Indian sub-continent   
			 Bangladesh 3,280 2,720 2,870 3,630 3,280 3,680 
			 India 4,860 4,620 4,650 5,430 6,290 8,050 
			 Pakistan 6,310 6,250 5,580 7,350 11,860 11,010 
			 Indian sub-continent 14,450 13,590 13,080 16,420 21,440 22,730 
			
			 Middle East   
			 Iran 1,120 1,720 1,060 930 1,560 1,920 
			 Iraq 540 1,580 1,610 1,650 2,210 2,710 
			 Israel 290 290 280 300 260 360 
			 Jordan 150 120 150 130 140 250 
			 Kuwait 30 20 40 60 60 60 
			 Lebanon 400 660 640 590 760 990 
			 Saudi Arabia 40 40 30 50 60 50 
			 Syria 100 110 120 110 140 240 
			 Yemen 160 180 150 230 260 290 
			 Other Middle East 60 70 90 120 140 210 
			 Middle East 2,880 4,790 4,160 4,180 5,590 7,090 
			
			 Remainder of Asia   
			 China 1,130 1,180 1.230 1,550 1,520 1,710 
			 Hong Kong 1,310 1,240 900 810 490 800 
			 Indonesia 100 90 90 120 200 210 
			 Japan 1,870 1,780 1,760 1,880 1,590 1,720 
			 Malaysia 660 610 500 550 510 780 
			 Philippines 1,090 1,030 890 950 1,190 1,910 
			 Singapore 170 150 160 120 170 230 
			 South Korea 260 270 220 270 300 480 
			 Sri Lanka 1,370 2,180 1,620 2,100 5,370 7,530 
			 Taiwan 40 60 80 100 120 180 
			 Thailand 520 550 500 540 830 950 
			 Other Asia 270 350 420 530 770 1,230 
			 Remainder of Asia 8,790 9,500 8,370 9,520 13,060 17,720 
			 Asia 26,120 27,880 25,610 30,120 40,090 47,540 
			 Oceania   
			 Australia 2,020 2,120 1,920 2,200 2,410 2,930 
			 New Zealand 1,390 1,360 1,150 1,440 1,670 1,920 
			 Other Oceania 40 40 30 50 40 50 
			 Oceania 3,450 3,520 3,100 3,690 4,120 4,900 
			
			 British overseas citizens 690 620 540 960 560 330 
			 Stateless(44) 780 780 740 580 820 930 
			 Other countries not elsewhere specified * * * * * * 
			 All nationalities 55,460 61,730 58,720 69,790 97,120 125,090 
		
	
	(37) Includes all current EEA countries throughout the period covered.
	(38) Includes acceptances from the former German Democratic Republic—prior to the reunification of Germany on 3 October 1990—throughout the period covered.
	(39) Includes Liechtenstein.
	(40) Includes Czechoslovak passport holders.
	(41) Includes Soviet Union passport holders.
	(42) Includes holders of passports of the former Yugoslavia.
	(43) The Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly known as Zaire.
	(44) Includes refugees from South East Asia.

Antisocial Behaviour

Alan Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders have been issued in North Tyneside.

John Denham: Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) were introduced from 1 April 1999. The data given in the table covers the period up to the end of December 2001.
	We are currently considering whether any further checks are needed to ensure the accuracy of this information.
	
		Number of anti-social behaviour orders issued as from 1 April 1999 to 31 December 2001 within Northumbria by area
		
			 Area From 1 April 1999 to 31 May 2000(45) From 1 June 2000 to 31 December 2000 From 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2001 Total 
		
		
			 Police force area/MCC(46) 
			 Northumbria 8 5 5 18 
			  
			 Local government authority 
			 Gateshead MBC (47)— 3 — 3 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne, City of (47)— — 2 2 
			 North Tyneside Council (47)— — 2 2 
			 South Tyneside MBC (47)— 1 1 2 
			 Sunderland CC (47)— 1 — 1 
		
	
	(45) Total figure only available for Northumbria police force area within this period.
	(46) MCC—Magistrates Courts Committee area.
	(47) Not available.

Antisocial Behaviour

Stephen Hesford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans to reduce antisocial behaviour among young people.

John Denham: The Government are introducing a range of initiatives to reduce antisocial behaviour among young people. We are evaluating the success of Acceptable Behaviour Contacts and will be disseminating good practice for practitioners. We are enhancing the effectiveness of antisocial behaviour orders so the community can be protected more quickly. The range of other measures being introduced includes truancy sweeps and the safer schools partnerships scheme. These initiatives build on the work being delivered through the youth inclusion programmes and the Connexions Service as well as a range of programmes introduced by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Antisocial Behaviour

Mr. Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) parenting orders and (b) antisocial behaviour orders have been brought into force in London in each year, broken down by London borough, since their introduction; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: The number of parenting orders imposed in London between 1 July 2000 to 31 December 2001 are set out in the table. This information comes from the Youth Justice Board.
	Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) were introduced from 1 April 1999. The data given in the table show the number of ASBOs reported to the Home Office covering the period up to the end of December 2001.
	We are currently considering whether any further checks are needed to ensure the accuracy of the number of ASBOs reported.
	
		Number of parenting orders imposed in London from July 2000 to December 2001
		
			  Borough(48) July to December 2000 January to December 2001  Total 
		
		
			 Barking and Dagenham 4 12 16 
			 Barnet 1 7 8 
			 Bexley 0 2 2 
			 Bromley 0 4 4 
			 Croydon 1 6 7 
			 Ealing 1 9 10 
			 Enfield 6 1 7 
			 Greenwich 5 18 23 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 3 5 8 
			 Haringey 1 0 1 
			 Havering 2 5 7 
			 Hillingdon 0 8 8 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 4 0 4 
			 Kingston upon Thames 9 6 15 
			 Lambeth 2 11 13 
			 Lewisham 4 6 10 
			 Merton 5 5 10 
			 Newham 1 3 4 
			 Redbridge 1 2 3 
			 Richmond upon Thames 0 8 8 
			 Southwark 16 15 31 
			 Sutton 5 1 6 
			 Tower Hamlets and (City of London) 11 0 11 
			 Waltham Forest 2 4 6 
			 Wandsworth 0 11 11 
			 Westminster 6 7 13 
			 Total 90 156 246 
		
	
	(48) Only those boroughs that have imposed parenting orders within the period shown are listed.
	
		Number of antisocial behaviour orders issued as from 1 April 1999 to 31 December 2001 within London by local government authority
		
			 Area From 1 April 1999 to 31 May 2000(49) From 1 June 2000 to 31 December 2000 From 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2001 Total 
		
		
			 Police force area/MCC(50) 
			 GLMCA/Metropolitan police(51) 9 19 13 41 
			  
			 Local government authority (LGA)(52) 
			 Barnet (53)— 0 2 2 
			 Bexley (53)— 2 0 2 
			 Bromley (53)— 1 0 1 
			 Camden (53)— 5 1 6 
			 Croydon (53)— 1 0 1 
			 Greenwich (53)— 0 3 3 
			 Hackney (53)— 0 1 1 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham (53)— 0 2 2 
			 Lambeth (53)— 1 0 1 
			 Lewisham (53)— 0 2 2 
			 Newham (53)— 0 2 2 
			 Sutton (53)— 3 0 3 
			 Westminster (53)— 6 0 6 
		
	
	(49) Total figure only available for Metropolitan police force area within this period.
	(50) MCC—magistrates courts committee area.
	(51) Including City of London.
	(52) Only those LGAs reporting an ASBO in the period shown are listed.
	(53) Not available.

Speeding

Peter Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he gives the police on the margins to be allowed in speeding offences.

John Denham: The latest guidelines on speed enforcement thresholds were issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) in February 2000. They stress proportionality in applying the law, targeting of enforcement action and consistency of approach among police forces. I welcome the guidelines as providing a sound and transparent basis for police enforcement action in what is a sensitive area of policing. While they are designed to promote a consistent approach by police forces, the police retain full discretion to take account of the particular circumstances of any individual speeding offence.
	The speed enforcement guidelines are available to the general public on the ACPO website at www.acpo.police.uk

Identity Theft

Mr. Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the level of identity theft; what action he is taking to prevent it; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply the Minister of State, my right hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr. Denham) gave the hon. Member for Chipping Barnet (Sir Sydney Chapman) on 9 April 2002, Official Report, column 702W.
	Since my right hon. Friend's answer, these figures have been revised. The Cabinet Office published a report on 3 July 2002 stating that the minimum cost of identity fraud to the economy is now estimated to be in excess of £1.3 billion per annum. Two key reasons for this are the weaknesses in the process used to issue documents used as identity, and the weaknesses in processes used to check identity at point of use.
	My right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary published a consultation paper on the subject of entitlement cards and identity fraud on 3 July 2002 which details, and seeks views on, the potential initiatives to counter identity fraud outlined in the answer to which I referred. The paper also sets out the Home Office's intention to set up a new Identity Fraud Forum to steer the work of the identity fraud work programme.

Crime and Disorder Act

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to extend section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to the private sector; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: The private sector has a key role in contributing to the delivery of crime and disorder reduction. The 1998 Act requires that the private sector are invited to participate in the development and implementation of crime and disorder reduction strategies for their area in co-operation with the local crime and disorder reduction partnership. We will shortly be embarking on extensive consultation with representatives from business organisations on how best to create a more effective partnership between business, Government and other key stakeholders to deliver reductions in crime and disorder.

Tetra Communication System

Tam Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the safety aspects of the Tetra Communication System used by police forces.

John Denham: holding answer 4 July 2002
	Airwave, which uses terrestrial trunked radio system (Tetra) technology, will enhance officer safety by providing the police with a modern and reliable communication system. Concerns have been expressed, in general, about the safe use of mobile phones and, in particular, about pulsed signals. Current evidence suggests that it is unlikely that the unique features of Tetra pose a hazard to health. However, a precautionary approach is being taken and the Home Office, advised by independent experts, is commissioning further scientific studies.

Anti-drug Programmes

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of the total amount of money seized from drug barons and put back into anti-drug programmes in each year since 1996; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Ainsworth: holding answer 4 July 2002
	The receipts remitted to the Secretary of State from confiscation orders made under the Drug Trafficking Acts 1986 and 1994, for each year from 1996 were:
	£7,415,000 for 1996–97;
	£9,458,000 for 1997–98;
	£10,476,000 for 1998–99;
	£9,333,000 for 1999–2000; and
	£11,757,000 for 2000–01.
	The figure for the year 2001–02 is not yet available.
	Between April 1999 and March 2002 a total of £12 million was recycled through the Confiscated Assets Fund (CAF) and disbursed on anti-drug programmes. The amounts disbursed in each year were £3 million in 1999–2000, £5 million in 2000–01 and £4 million in 2001–02.
	No recycling of confiscated assets to anti-drugs programmes occurred during the period between 1996 and 1999, the year when the Confiscated Assets Fund was established.

Extradition

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many requests he has received for extradition since 7 June.

Bob Ainsworth: The United Kingdom has received three extradition requests since 7 June 2002. In addition, requests are awaited for six fugitives who have been provisionally arrested since that date.
	The figures do not include requests received from Ireland which are subject to a simpler backing of warrants regime. Those figures are not kept centrally.

Mayfield College

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what approaches he has received from Sabre Developments Ltd. regarding the potential use of Mayfield college, Mayfield, East Sussex, as an asylum accommodation centre.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 8 July 2002
	We have no contact from Sabre Developments Ltd. in respect of using this site as an accommodation centre for asylum seekers.

Air Weapons

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what recent representations he has received on banning the private ownership of air weapons; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what recent representations he has received on increasing the age at which unsupervised use of air weapons is allowed; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what steps he is taking to control the advertising of air weapons; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Ainsworth: holding answer 8 July 2002
	We have recently received a number of representations about the private ownership of air weapons, both for and against banning them or changing the age limits for unsupervised use.
	The Government totally condemn the irresponsible use of air weapons and are presently reviewing the overall effectiveness of the current range of controls, including those regulating the age at which air weapons can be used without supervision and the way in which they are sold.
	An absolute ban on the ownership of air weapons was considered by the Home Affairs Committee in their second report on controls over firearms. They concluded that such a ban would not be appropriate, but did recommend that the existing laws relating to air weapons be rigorously enforced and that this should be coupled with a programme of education on their safe and responsible use. We accepted that recommendation and are currently considering advice from the Firearms Consultative Committee on how best to take this forward.
	There are no statutory restrictions at present on the advertising of air weapons. Generally, advertising in the non-broadcast media is subject to self-regulation under the advertising industry's British Codes of Advertising and Sales Promotion, compliance with which is overseen by the Advertising Standards Authority. The authority will investigate all complaints of non-compliance with the codes, including any about advertisements which appear to condone or are likely to provoke violence or anti- social behaviour.

Air Weapons

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions for selling an air weapon to a person under the age of 18 (a) were commenced and (b) resulted in a conviction in each of the past five years.

John Denham: holding answer 8 July 2002
	The available information is contained in the table and relates to 'selling or letting on hire an air weapon or ammunition to a person under 17'.
	Statistics for 2001 will be available in the autumn.
	
		Persons proceeded against and found guilty at all courts for selling an air weapon or ammunition to a person under the age of 17, England and Wales 1996 to 2000(54),(55)
		
			 Offence description/Statute Persons proceeded against Persons found guilty 
		
		
			 Selling or letting on hire an air weapon or ammunition to a person under 17: Firearms Act 1968, Sec 24(1)   
			
			 1996 4 2 
			 1997 2 1 
			 1998 4 3 
			 1999 1 1 
			 2000 — — 
		
	
	(54) These data are on the principal offence basis.
	(55) Staffordshire police were only able to submit sample data for persons proceeded against and convicted in the magistrates courts for the year 2000. Although sufficient to estimate higher orders of data, these data are not robust enough at a detailed level and have been excluded from this table.

Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 22 May from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. B. Benbaziz;
	(2)  when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 22 May from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. and Mrs. Islam;
	(3)  when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 22 May from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mrs. Um-Kalthovma;
	(4)  when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 22 May from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. A. R. Nazari;
	(5)  when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 22 May from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Sirwan Abdulrehman.

David Blunkett: A reply was sent to my right hon. Friend on 9 July 2002.

Correspondence

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Blackpool, South dated 26 March, ref 6529/2.

John Denham: holding answer 1 July 2002
	A reply was sent to my hon. Friend on 27 June 2002.

Correspondence

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he received the letters of 23 January and 23 March from the solicitors to Mr. D M of Aylesbury (ref. M1002217); when he intends to reply; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	The letter of 23 January was received by the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) on 25 January 2002 and a reply was sent on 2 May 2002. There is no trace of IND receiving a letter dated 23 March 2002, although a letter dated 25 March 2002 with copies of an application and other documents was received on 27 March 2002. Unfortunately, these documents were not linked to the file until after the reply was sent.
	The application is now being considered urgently and Mr. D M's representatives will be contacted as soon as a decision has been made. I am sorry for the delay in IND actioning this case.

Correspondence

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his Department has received the recorded delivery letter RB 6205 2931 OGB, dated 1 May, from Mrs. O P of Aylesbury (ref. P404417) concerning her asylum application; when he expects to reply; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	This letter has been received but regrettably has since been misplaced within the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND). Officials are contacting Mrs. O P to clarify her inquiry and will then reply to her as soon as possible.

Passports

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many new passport applications were approved during 2001.

Beverley Hughes: Of the 5,668,272 passport applications made during 2001, 2,678,935 were classed as new applications. Of these, 1,209,017 were adult first- time applications and 1,469,918 were child applications. The remainder were made up of renewals, amendments and extensions.

Child Curfew Orders

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many child curfew orders have been imposed to date in Surrey.

John Denham: holding answer 9 July 2002
	No applications have been received to impose child curfew schemes under section 14 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Sections 48 and 49 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, which took effect on 1 August 2001, extended the upper age limit to 15 and allowed the police, as well as local authorities, to initiate schemes. Local areas are assessing the implications of these changes and we know that local consultation is taking place.

Heartbeat Detectors

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions a heartbeat detector machine at Dover has broken down or failed to function in the last six months.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	The heartbeat detector requires a structure to protect it from adverse weather, such as high winds. The mechanical doors allowing entry and exit from this structure have, on occasion, failed.
	There have also been occasions when the heartbeat detector itself has required minor attention, but rarely has the fault caused the equipment to be taken out of service. Where it has, the Immigration Service has been able to rely on other methods to detect clandestines, including body detection dogs, carbon dioxide detectors, X and gamma ray scanners, to maintain an effective deterrent and detection capability.

Heartbeat Detectors

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many heartbeat detector machines are installed at (a) Dover, (b) Folkestone, (c) Coquelles and (d) Calais.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	The Immigration Service currently deploys two heartbeat detector machines—one in Dover and one in Coquelles.
	At present there are no ferry services using the port of Folkestone, and consequently, there is no current demand for the deployment of detection technology there. Freight vehicles using the Eurotunnel Freight Shuttle service do, however, arrive at Cheriton, near Folkestone. These are subject to search at or before the British Control Zone at Coquelles before travel.
	A programme is now under way to procure additional heartbeat detectors and other detection technology for deployment at various continental ports serving the United Kingdom, including Calais.

Heartbeat Detectors

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of lorries passing through Dover from France are checked by a (a) dog, (b) heartbeat detector machine, (c) carbon dioxide stick and (d) X-ray machine.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	Based on collated intelligence and profiling, the Immigration Service currently checks approximately 12 per cent. of lorries which arrive at Dover on cross-channel ferries. Immigration Officers use a combination of all the methods of detection referred to, the choice of which is determined by the characteristics of the vehicle to be searched. No figures are held which illustrate the frequency of use of one method over another.

National Identity Card Scheme

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the (a) costs and (b) change in the levels of crime which would result from a compulsory national identity card scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary made a statement to the House on 3 July 2002 announcing the publication of a consultation paper on Entitlement Cards and Identity Fraud. The consultation period will last until 10 January 2003. The Government have made it clear that the introduction of an entitlement card would be a major step and that it would not proceed without consulting widely and considering all the views expressed very carefully. The consultation paper rules out a scheme where it would be compulsory to carry a card but does raise the option of a universal scheme where everyone would have to register and obtain a card.
	The paper includes a number of estimates of what a scheme would cost, depending on the sophistication of the card. A reasonable estimate would be that a scheme would cost around £1.3 billion over a 13-year period covering the three years it would take to set up the necessary information technology systems and the 10-year period for which the first cards would be valid.
	This would include much more stringent identity checks than currently apply for passports and driving licences in response to increased levels of fraudulent applications.
	It would also include the costs of using biometric information (fingerprints or iris images) which would uniquely link the card holder with a card.
	A universal entitlement card would be a powerful weapon in the fight against crimes of identity fraud which cost the economy at least £1.3 billion each year. It could also help to combat illegal immigration and illegal working. The degree to which a card scheme could reduce these crimes would depend on the type of card scheme introduced, to what services it was linked and the speed of its introduction. The Government will be consulting on these and other issues during the consultation exercise.

Police

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of general calls to the force switchboard were not answered within 20 seconds in each police force in England in each year from 1990–91 to 2001–02, ranked from best to worst performance for the most recent year for which information is available; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: holding answer 8 July 2002
	The information requested is not collected centrally, and I understand that forces do not routinely measure how long it takes to answer calls to their general switchboards. Times for answering 999 calls are collected and this information has been provided in response to a separate question.

Police

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken since 7 June 2001 to ensure that vacancies for the post of chief constable are advertised as quickly as possible.

John Denham: In April 2001, we established the Senior Appointments Panel, chaired by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, to offer advice on the approval of chief officer candidates and to assist police authorities in the co-ordination and timetabling of the appointments process.
	Work is currently under way to develop detailed guidance for police authorities on the recruitment and selection of chief officers, drawn up in close consultation with key stakeholders. That will replace the current guidance in Home Office Circular 52–96. The new guidance will set out a wide range of best practice on all aspects of chief officer recruitment and selection procedures, including the setting of an appropriate timetable for key steps in the process at the point a vacancy arises.

Police

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money was spent by the relevant pension fund on paying pensions to retired members of the police force in 2001–02; if he will estimate the corresponding amounts to be spent in (a) five years' time, (b) 10 years' time, (c) 20 years' time and (d) 30 years' time; if he will estimate in each case the proportion of such liabilities which will arise from (i) unfunded pension schemes and (ii) pre-funded pension schemes; and in the case of pre-funded schemes; if he will estimate the value of the corresponding pre-funded funds in each of these years.

John Denham: The Police Pension Scheme is an unfunded scheme. The cost of police pensions in England and Wales in 2001–02 is estimated at £1.1 billion. Estimated costs to individual police authorities in 2001–02 are set out in the table. No projections of police pensions' costs in five, 10, 20 and 30 years' time are available. These are matters for individual police authorities.
	As we made clear in the White Paper 'Policing a New Century: A Blueprint for Reform', we are aware of the need of police authorities and chief officers for a system which brings greater clarity about pensions obligations on individual police authorities. With the Treasury we are examining the options for a revised system of funding which would bring this about.
	
		
			  Net pensions expenditure 
			 Force  £000 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset Police 31,585 
			 Bedfordshire Police 9,078 
			 Cambridgeshire Police 10,674 
			 Cheshire Police 16,599 
			 City of London 9,578 
			 Cleveland Police 13,478 
			 Cumbria Police 10,765 
			 Derbyshire Police 14,473 
			 Devon and Cornwall Police 28,313 
			 Dorset Police 12,728 
			 Durham Police 10,991 
			 Dyfed Powys 8,435 
			 Essex Police 25,211 
			 Gloucestershire Police 10,301 
			 Greater Manchester Police 66,792 
			 Gwent Police Authority 9,621 
			 Hampshire Police 24,537 
			 Hertfordshire Police 12,308 
			 Humberside Police 18,572 
			 Kent Police 26,759 
			 Lancashire Police 28,568 
			 Leicestershire Police 14,706 
			 Lincolnshire Police 12,820 
			 Merseyside Police 43,542 
			 Metropolitan Police (GLA) 254,767 
			 Norfolk Police 12,354 
			 North Wales 13,249 
			 North Yorkshire Police 14,757 
			 Northamptonshire Police 8,484 
			 Northumbria Police 32,794 
			 Nottinghamshire Police 21,457 
			 South Wales 30,169 
			 South Yorkshire Police 22,805 
			 Staffordshire Police 22,866 
			 Suffolk Police 11,130 
			 Surrey Police 11,605 
			 Sussex Police 29,312 
			 Thames Valley Police 24,971 
			 Warwickshire Police 10,300 
			 West Mercia Police 18,183 
			 West Midlands Police 51,133 
			 West Yorkshire Police 47,066 
			 Wiltshire Police 9,272 
			 Total 1,117,108 
		
	
	Source:
	The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy Police Statistics 2001–02 (Estimates)

Police

Gerry Steinberg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police vehicles were involved in road accidents resulting in (a) slight injuries, (b) serious injuries and (c) fatal accidents in the last five years.

John Denham: The available information is set out in table and relates to the number of injuries and deaths involving police vehicles engaged in immediate/ emergency response or pursuit only.
	
		
			  Deaths Serious injury Slight injury 
		
		
			 1997–98 15 200 1,923 
			 1998–99 11 210 1,653 
			 1999–2000 14 115 1,645 
			 2000–01 19 163 1,973 
			 2001–02 24 168 1,768 
		
	
	Notes:
	(i) The information has been provided by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), to which forces submit statistical returns.
	(ii) Data are missing from one force in 1998–99 and 1999–2000; and from two forces 2000–01.
	(iii) All figures are for financial year.
	(iv) The figures are numbers of deaths/injuries, not numbers of accidents.
	(v) The figures include both police and civilian casualties.
	(vi) The figures for 2001–02 are provisional only. Data are missing from four forces.

Police

Gerry Steinberg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police vehicles committed traffic violations and what was the (a) nature of these violations and (b) number of prosecutions arising from them in the last 12 months.

John Denham: The information is not collected centrally.

Police

Paul Stinchcombe: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many guns each police force possesses, broken down by type; how many officers each force has trained in the use of guns, broken down by rank; and how many incidents there have been in each force in which guns have been used by officers in each of the last five years; and how many fatalities have resulted.

John Denham: Information on the numbers and types of firearms held by each force, and details of the ranks of authorised firearms officers, is not held centrally. The collection of this information could only be done at disproportionate cost.
	I have attached the most recently published figures on the number of authorised firearms officers and also on operations in which firearms were issued. The number of persons shot by police over the same period and the number of those whose wounds were fatal, are also attached.
	
		Number of operations in which firearms were issued
		
			   1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 
		
		
			 Total 12,379 11,842 10,928 10,915 
			  
			 Avon and Somerset 312 139 88 90 
			 Bedfordshire 345 323 260 190 
			 Cambridgeshire 54 96 43 75 
			 Cheshire 288 216 299 386 
			 Cleveland 1,026 103 35 76 
			 City of London 308 307 147 125 
			 Cumbria 72 68 52 24 
			 Derbyshire 109 147 176 178 
			 Devon and Cornwall 160 133 61 65 
			 Dorset 36 54 69 79 
			 Durham 131 103 114 114 
			 Essex 331 505 590 497 
			 Gloucestershire 41 51 52 52 
			 Greater Manchester 214 165 160 224 
			 Hampshire 245 217 129 103 
			 Hertfordshire 96 82 75 73 
			 Humberside 291 472 317 193 
			 Kent 236 423 92 85 
			 Lancashire 333 338 616 267 
			 Leicestershire 155 89 109 222 
			 Lincolnshire 58 52 57 155 
			 Merseyside 671 675 484 489 
			 Metropolitan 2,439 2,578 2,742 2,862 
			 Norfolk 166 128 185 239 
			 Northamptonshire 64 77 51 57 
			 Northumbria 1,360 823 683 465 
			 North Yorkshire 65 102 69 61 
			 Nottinghamshire 84 306 266 255 
			 South Yorkshire 155 302 135 237 
			 Staffordshire 257 240 209 174 
			 Suffolk 180 193 174 165 
			 Surrey 133 87 60 143 
			 Sussex 235 330 123 185 
			 Thames Valley 215 227 158 110 
			 Warwickshire 97 152 291 194 
			 West Mercia 106 132 130 110 
			 West Midlands 270 227 305 362 
			 West Yorkshire 617 630 662 813 
			 Wiltshire 26 26 24 19 
			 Dyfed-Powys 17 27 38 37 
			 Gwent 89 86 64 39 
			 North Wales 233 310 386 371 
			 South Wales 59 101 148 255 
		
	
	
		Number of authorised firearms officers (AFOs)
		
			   1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 
		
		
			 Total 6,738 6,585 6,308 6,262 
			  
			 Avon and Somerset 165 161 153 150 
			 Bedfordshire 46 42 50 46 
			 Cambridgeshire 90 80 80 77 
			 Cheshire 70 82 70 75 
			 Cleveland 86 84 78 80 
			 City of London 88 81 55 73 
			 Cumbria 108 122 98 98 
			 Derbyshire 110 100 87 77 
			 Devon and Cornwall 151 147 82 119 
			 Dorset 74 72 72 66 
			 Durham 138 144 96 101 
			 Essex 228 217 235 228 
			 Gloucestershire 82 84 79 77 
			 Greater Manchester 209 182 217 218 
			 Hampshire 106 112 110 111 
			 Hertfordshire 42 41 43 52 
			 Humberside 90 102 102 97 
			 Kent 150 150 130 136 
			 Lancashire 132 125 132 143 
			 Leicestershire 104 94 90 90 
			 Lincolnshire 82 85 75 78 
			 Merseyside 147 165 121 96 
			 Metropolitan 2,035 1,971 1,951 1,977 
			 Norfolk 98 102 109 110 
			 Northamptonshire 92 92 92 75 
			 Northumbria 173 126 123 114 
			 North Yorkshire 108 95 83 59 
			 Nottinghamshire 128 129 120 116 
			 South Yorkshire 110 108 90 100 
			 Staffordshire 78 86 92 81 
			 Suffolk 82 96 101 98 
			 Surrey 76 61 69 71 
			 Sussex 180 146 156 131 
			 Thames Valley 185 194 179 187 
			 Warwickshire 41 38 44 54 
			 West Mercia 155 159 139 129 
			 West Midlands 88 95 92 93 
			 West Yorkshire 131 114 128 110 
			 Wiltshire 134 105 88 89 
			 Dyfed-Powys 70 71 67 65 
			 Gwent 70 59 64 68 
			 North Wales 72 90 97 92 
			 South Wales 134 176 169 155 
		
	
	
		
			  Persons shot by police Fatally wounded 
		
		
			 1997 1 — 
			 1998 5 2 
			 1999 7 3 
			 2000 6 2

Police

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) policemen and (b) police women there were in (i) 1997 and (ii) 2001; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: At 30 September 1997 there were 107,505 full-time equivalent male police officers and 19,357 full-time equivalent female police officers in England and Wales.
	At 30 September 2001 there were 105,136 full-time equivalent male police officers and 22,094 full-time equivalent female police officers in England and Wales.
	We have reversed the long-term decline in police strength. Police officer numbers had reached a record number by the end of January 2002. We are on track for our target of 130,000 officers by spring 2003.
	The proportion of female officers has risen from 15 per cent. to 17 per cent., and raising the representation of women in the Police Service is an area we are continuing to address.

Police

Andrew Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines are issued to police forces regarding (a) colour blindness tests for recruits and (b) the standards which recruits must attain to be accepted.

John Denham: Guidelines issued by the Home Office (Home Office Circular 7/98) state that candidates for the police service need to be able to pass the City University Colour Vision Test and achieve 7/10 of the plates to pass.
	The Home Office are currently funding research to develop new job related medical and eyesight standards. The research includes whether there is a continuing need for a colour vision requirement. Draft recommendations on eyesight requirements are due shortly. These will be discussed with The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and police interest groups and are expected to be introduced later this year. All forces will be expected to apply the new standards consistently.

Police

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish his review of police pension arrangements.

John Denham: As we stated in our White Paper "Policing a New Century: A Blueprint for Reform", we are looking at ways of modernising police pensions to make them more flexible and affordable for future entrants and to reflect modern lifestyle patterns. This is a complex area, which needs careful consideration.

Police

John Cummings: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) arrests and (b) prosecutions there were in the Peterlee Sub Division for (i) use of illegal substances, (ii) possession of illegal substances and (iii) the dealing in illegal substances in (A) 1999, (B) 2000 and (C) 2001.

Bob Ainsworth: The available information, relating to illegal drugs, is as follows.
	
		Persons(56) proceeded against in the Easington petty sessional area for the possession of and dealing in a controlled drug, 1999 and 2000
		
			  Easington petty sessional area 
		
		
			 Possession of a controlled drug  
			 1999 21 
			 2000 61 
			   
			 Dealing in a controlled drug(57)  
			 1999 21 
			 2000 61 
		
	
	(56) Persons for whom these offences were the principal offence for which they were dealt with.
	(57) Includes offences of importation/exportation, production, supplying, possession with intent to supply etc.
	The number of arrests within the Peterlee Sub Division of Durham Constabulary are not available centrally. The 'use' of illegal drugs is not an offence.
	Statistics for 2001 will be available in the autumn.

Police

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on improving public access to police stations in local communities; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: The management of police property and allocation of resources are matters for each police authority and the chief officer who are best placed to assess local needs for the policing plan and local operational priorities, taking local opinion into account.
	In guidance issued in 2001 we made it a requirement for police authorities to include in their annual policing/best value performance plans details of any police stations which have opened or closed in the previous financial year.

Special Constables

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many special constables are serving, and what the total was on 1 May 1997, broken down by individual police authorities; how many special constables (a) were recruited to each police authority in each year since 1997 and (b) left; what regulations govern the method of recruitment and enlistment of special constables, and whether they vary between police area; and how long a gap there was on average in the last 12 months between a potential special constable's volunteering and eventual enlistment, broken down by police area.

John Denham: Statistics on the strength of the special constabulary are collected by the Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate for the end of March and September each year.
	The tables show the strength of specials, by force, in 1997 and 2001 and details, by force, of recruitment and wastage for each year since 1997.
	The Special Constables Regulations 1965 (as amended) specify that a person appointed as a special must have attained the age of 18 years and be of good character and health. Beyond that, the regulations leave qualification for appointment to the discretion of the chief officer. However, the Home Office has issued guidance on the eligibility and recruitment of specials, in particular, Home Office Circular 12/2000, copies of which have been lodged with the Library.
	Information on time taken between the application and appointment of specials is not collected centrally.
	
		Special constable strength by police force area
		
			  March 1997 September 1997 March 2001 September 2001 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 759 629 400 391 
			 Bedfordshire 182 186 115 119 
			 Cambridgeshire 303 336 218 197 
			 Cheshire 475 491 290 233 
			 Cleveland 160 157 93 98 
			 Cumbria 189 184 156 125 
			 Derbyshire 428 414 275 263 
			 Devon and Cornwall 1,148 1,079 796 780 
			 Dorset 289 325 267 258 
			 Durham 184 178 146 146 
			 Essex 634 641 445 413 
			 Gloucestershire 297 287 183 153 
			 Greater Manchester 685 657 367 355 
			 Hampshire 621 681 454 444 
			 Hertfordshire 297 306 198 177 
			 Humberside 340 348 212 207 
			 Kent 589 588 392 366 
			 Lancashire 483 500 360 325 
			 Leicestershire 415 402 162 155 
			 Lincolnshire 271 273 166 160 
			 City of London 86 84 43 34 
			 Merseyside 401 407 541 507 
			 Metropolitan police 1,714 1,528 774 753 
			 Norfolk 402 346 259 240 
			 Northamptonshire 316 314 188 184 
			 Northumbria 533 480 300 276 
			 North Yorkshire 362 337 182 186 
			 Nottinghamshire 620 597 335 281 
			 South Yorkshire 308 295 188 189 
			 Staffordshire 685 643 402 395 
			 Suffolk 379 300 349 322 
			 Surrey 297 231 149 176 
			 Sussex 472 465 306 301 
			 Thames Valley 656 694 418 377 
			 Warwickshire 381 379 221 208 
			 West Mercia 582 558 399 364 
			 West Midlands 945 949 617 604 
			 West Yorkshire 690 604 415 371 
			 Wiltshire 154 150 152 160 
			 Dyfed Powys 283 241 191 174 
			 Gwent 157 149 137 148 
			 North Wales 341 388 207 203 
			 South Wales 361 362 254 250 
			 Total all forces 19,874 19,163 12,722 12,068 
		
	
	
		Recruitment and wastage 1997–2001—specials recruitment/wastage in the 12 months to 31 March, by force (England and Wales)
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001  
			 Police force Recruitment Wastage Recruitment Wastage Recruitment Wastage Recruitment Wastage Recruitment Wastage 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 203 171 138 140 98 172 38 126 57 124 
			 Bedfordshire 35 29 39 31 11 42 17 20 7 43 
			 Cambridgeshire 106 53 103 86 62 36 58 76 43 79 
			 Cheshire 272 71 140 119 64 119 15 59 4 58 
			 Cleveland 16 29 25 21 39 22 13 27 7 10 
			 Cumbria 30 41 39 31 40 28 18 46 7 25 
			 Derbyshire 105 54 62 110 29 92 30 65 46 53 
			 Devon and Cornwall 194 162 192 256 158 179 119 139 87 131 
			 Dorset 70 25 90 42 54 50 48 31 22 48 
			 Durham 47 49 41 41 47 37 36 30 34 43 
			 Essex 185 154 173 165 84 130 61 106 92 128 
			 Gloucestershire 34 51 33 48 12 55 20 38 13 36 
			 Greater Manchester 156 217 94 181 66 141 73 139 41 131 
			 Hampshire 235 88 222 128 252 190 90 235 50 177 
			 Hertfordshire 61 74 53 43 33 62 31 42 27 41 
			 Humberside 61 108 44 61 138 85 18 30 12 43 
			 Kent 220 102 202 199 138 203 89 179 102 143 
			 Lancashire 182 230 97 87 60 90 41 75 36 58 
			 Leicestershire 84 31 61 70 17 107 25 94 0 85 
			 Lincolnshire 46 50 60 66 27 71 14 30 8 40 
			 City of London 32 23 22 32 17 29 8 14 0 15 
			 Merseyside 145 61 141 58 111 52 55 24 77 57 
			 Metropolitan police 191 246 127 264 7 94 1 39 41 29 
			 Norfolk 154 71 64 129 84 83 36 86 35 61 
			 Northamptonshire 89 68 39 63 26 76 35 76 53 64 
			 Northumbria 121 60 63 153 72 103 60 71 58 79 
			 North Yorkshire 96 40 68 72 32 114 32 114 25 60 
			 Nottinghamshire 200 112 69 131 70 126 24 32 0 0 
			 South Yorkshire 40 115 50 76 53 99 24 69 37 55 
			 Staffordshire 120 140 69 108 55 121 64 58 17 91 
			 Suffolk 56 78 86 69 107 92 90 119 55 97 
			 Surrey 49 15 46 60 44 29 23 56 28 33 
			 Sussex 76 116 105 134 55 83 41 82 27 58 
			 Thames Valley 192 168 119 100 85 95 49 100 51 108 
			 Warwickshire 65 64 66 119 44 128 44 128 0 41 
			 West Mercia 66 72 72 79 81 71 61 50 64 334 
			 West Midlands 398 350 213 243 145 206 115 116 120 150 
			 West Yorkshire 207 221 81 200 117 130 163 180 102 126 
			 Wiltshire (58)— 39 36 22 61 25 23 34 45 66 
			 Dyfed-Powys 57 89 80 112 29 46 21 44 24 45 
			 Gwent 13 18 0 46 13 20 16 10 38 17 
			 North Wales 119 35 57 52 38 56 10 82 11 18 
			 South Wales 80 179 79 74 48 64 18 37 37 33 
			 Total all forces 4,908 4,169 3,660 4,321 2,823 3,853 1,867 3,208 1,640 3,133 
		
	
	(58) Not available.

Special Constables

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions in each of the last five years the Metropolitan police has lost the files of those seeking to enlist as special constables.

John Denham: The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that current records indicate there have been no missing files during the course of 2002. Information is not centrally available to the Metropolitan police service in order to indicate the position regarding the proceeding four years.

Special Constables

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the establishment is of the Honourable Artillery Company's Metropolitan Special Constabulary; what its strength is; how many constables enlisted in each year since 1997; and what the delay between recruitment and enlistment was.

John Denham: The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that there is no specific establishment figure for the Metropolitan Special Constabulary Unit associated with the Honourable Artillery Company. The current strength of the unit is 14 special constables. It is understood that three special constables have joined the unit since 1997, but data on their year of joining or how long it took to process these individuals is not centrally available to the Metropolitan police service.

Yarl's Wood Fire

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many persons charged with criminal offences arising out of the fire at Yarl's Wood have received legal aid to instruct solicitors and counsel;
	(2)  in relation to the fire at Yarl's Wood, how many criminal charges have been preferred; what the nationalities of those charged are; and what the charges are;
	(3)  in relation to the fire at Yarl's Wood, what allegations of crimes against Kosovan women were reported which did not result in charges being preferred.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	These are all matters which should be addressed to the Chief Officer of the Bedfordshire police. However, I understand that 12 people have been charged with violent disorder in relation to the incident at Yarl's Wood. Of these, five are Nigerian, two are Algerian, two are Albanian, one is Kosovan, one is Yugoslav and one is from the Ivory Coast. I further understand that all of these people have received legal aid to instruct solicitors and counsel.
	Reported allegations of crimes against Kosovan women is also a matter for the Chief Officer of Bedfordshire police. However, I understand that there have been no such allegations.

Yarl's Wood Fire

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many potential witnesses in relation to criminal trials arising out of the Yarl's Wood fire have been (a) removed and (b) deported; and whether arrangements will be made for their return to give evidence.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	Information about the number of witnesses who have been removed is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost by an examination of individual case files. There is, however, an existing procedure in place for the police to contact the Immigration Service should they wish to request the return of a prosecution witness to attend a trial where there is a reason to believe that a person will not qualify for entry.

Yarl's Wood Fire

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in relation to the fire at Yarl's Wood, how many persons absconded following the fire; how many have been recaptured; and what criminal charges have been laid against those recaptured.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	In the immediate aftermath of events at Yarl's Wood on 14–15 February 2002 there were 21 detainees unaccounted for. Of these 15 remain unaccounted for. They are believed to have absconded during the fire and disturbance and efforts to trace and apprehend them are continuing.
	Whether there should be any criminal charges against those concerned is a matter for the police.

Yarl's Wood Fire

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the cause of the clashes between detainees and Group 4 staff at Yarl's Wood prior to the fire; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: Stephen Moore is currently heading a Home Office investigation into the events at Yarl's Wood and we await his recommendations. It would be inappropriate to comment further at the present time.

Asylum Seekers

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers have been released from Oakington Centre pending their appeals; and what proportion are at addresses known to the authorities.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	From 20 March 2000 to 31 December 2001, 10,075 principal applicants received at the Oakington Reception Centre have lodged appeals. Of these, all would have been released either to an agreed address and required as a condition of their temporary admission to notify the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) of any change of address, or to a secure detention centre.

Asylum Seekers

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to improve the asylum processing procedure.

Beverley Hughes: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary published a White Paper "Secure Borders, Safe Haven" on 7 February 2002, followed on 12 April 2002 by the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill, which is currently before Parliament. These both outline the steps that we are taking to improve the asylum processing procedure.

Asylum Seekers

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what studies he has made of the use of barges to house asylum seekers in the Netherlands; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	No such studies have been made. The Home Office has, however, commissioned research to examine the reception policies and practice of four European countries (Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany).

Asylum Seekers

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase and improve the training of initial decision makers in asylum cases.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	There are no current plans to increase and improve the training of initial decision-makers in asylum cases.
	Current training plan supports business delivery of asylum decision making targets.
	Training is continually evaluated, post course and after several months in post to make sure that it is meeting needs.
	Changes are made in light of feedback from asylum staff or in response to legislative/procedural changes.

Asylum Seekers

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in relation to initial decision makers in asylum cases, what educational or legal qualifications are required; what period of training is required; and what the relevant salary scales are.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	The majority of initial decision makers in asylum cases are appointed at executive officer level within the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND).
	No formal educational or legal qualifications are required for entry to this grade. Selection to the grade is competency based.
	Those appointed to the posts receive a three day induction programme on the organisation of IND and the Integrated Casework Directorate, followed by a two week programme on asylum knowledge and processes. Thereafter, caseworkers receive two weeks mentoring in a dedicated unit and a three day training programme in interviewing skills.
	The minimum starting salary for an executive officer in Croydon is £16,663 per annum.
	Progression to higher salaries is based on an annual review of performance in the grade.

Asylum Seekers

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many initial decision makers in asylum cases were in post in January of each year since 1997.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	The latest available information is shown in the table.
	
		Number of initial decision makers in post in January of each year since 1997
		
			   Number in post in January 
		
		
			 1997 Records not available 
			 1998 Records not available 
			 1999(59) Records not available 
			 2000 174 
			 2001 761 
			 2002 697 
		
	
	(59) The Integrated Casework Directorate started recording staffing data in December 1999. Staffing records identifying initial decision makers in asylum cases before then are not available.
	All data relates to asylum initial decision makers in the Immigration Nationality Directorate (IND).

Asylum Seekers

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) current asylum seekers and (b) asylum seekers who have been refused asylum but have lodged appeals are held in custody in detention centres or prisons.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	The latest available information on the number of persons detained solely under Immigration Act powers relates to 30 March 2002. As at that date, 1,140 persons (to the nearest five) were being detained at immigration service removal centres, immigration short-term holding facilities and prison establishments who are recorded as having claimed asylum at some stage.
	I regret that information on the number of these persons who are awaiting an initial decision on their asylum claim or who have lodged an appeal is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost by examination of individual case records.
	Information on Immigration Act detainees as at 29 June 2002 will be published on 30 August 2002 on the Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/ rds/immigration1.html.

Asylum Seekers

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to identify on French territory asylum seekers who might have a valid claim to asylum in the UK.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	Intensive discussions are continuing between the United Kingdom (UK) and French governments on illegal immigration through France to the UK. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy met on 25 June 2002. The two Ministers plan to meet again on 12 July 2002. There are no present plans for the UK authorities to process asylum applications in France.

Asylum Seekers

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will commission studies to ascertain the comparative costs of housing asylum seekers in (a) Germany, (b) the Netherlands and (c) the United Kingdom.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	The Home Office is not planning to commission research on the comparative costs of housing asylum seekers in (a) Germany, (b) the Netherlands and (c) the United Kingdom. The Home Office has however, commissioned research to examine the reception policies and practice of four European countries (Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany). This includes an analysis of the impact of accommodation centres on (1) application rates, (2) the speed of the determination process, (3) the facilitation of return and removals, and (4) integration.
	Comparative costs of accommodation centres and dispersal support and accommodation in the United Kingdom will be evaluated as part of the accommodation centres trial.

Asylum Seekers

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his figures on removals of failed asylum seekers include dependants; and whether this policy has operated in each of the last five years.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	Information on dependants of asylum seekers removed was not routinely collected until April 2001. Asylum removals statistics prior to this time relate to only the number of principal applicants removed and exclude dependants. The statistics since April 2001 show both the number of principal applicants removed and the number of dependants removed.
	Asylum removals statistics are published on a quarterly basis on the Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Directorate website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html, as well as annually in the Home Office Statistical Bulletins 'Asylum Statistics' and 'Control of Immigration Statistics' and the Command Paper 'Control of Immigration Statistics', copies of which are available in the Library and on the Home Office website.

Asylum Accommodation Centres

Edward Leigh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the changed circumstances are that have led to the decision not to use the special urgency provisions of circular 18/84 relating to proposed accommodation centres at Hemswell Cliff.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 16 April 2002
	We took the decision in response to representations from local councils and residents.

Immigration and Nationality Department

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was spent by his Department on advertising for posts in the Immigration and Nationality Department in 2001.

Beverley Hughes: The amount spent on advertising for posts in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate for the period 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2001 is £332,263.14.

Immigration and Customs Officials

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many British immigration or customs officials are deployed at (a) Coquelles, (b) Calais and (c) Brussels Station.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	A total of 129 immigration officers are currently deployed in the British Control Zone at Coquelles. There are no immigration officers currently deployed at Calais port or at Brussels station.
	Her Majesty's Customs and Excise have an approximate complement of 270 officers who operate in both the tourist and freight lanes, of the United Kingdom Control Zone at Coquelles. There are no customs officers based at Calais or Brussels station.

Illegal Entrants

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many illegal entrants have been discovered at Waterloo Eurostar in each of the last six months.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	There have been no illegal entrants discovered at Waterloo International terminal in the last six months.

Illegal Entrants

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many illegal entrants have been discovered at Dover in each of the last six months.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	In the first six months of this year the Immigration Service at Dover detected and initially detained 275 illegal entrants in January, 230 in February, 207 in March, 268 in April, 322 in May and 329 in June.
	These figures exclude illegal entrants who had evaded controls concealed in vehicles and were subsequently discovered by Kent Police and those illegal entrants who attempted to enter the United Kingdom concealed in rail wagons and were intercepted at the Dollands Moor freight yard at Cheriton.

Illegal Entrants

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of (a) lorries and (b) other vehicles passing through Dover from France were not checked for purposes of seeking to discover illegal entrants over the last 12 months.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 9 July 2002
	Approximately 2,500 lorries arrive at Dover every day on board cross Channel ferries. The majority of these vehicles will have undergone pre-boarding checks conducted by agents for either the carrier or the port authority. In addition, over the last 12 months the Immigration Service has checked on average of almost 8 per cent. of lorries on arrival at Dover. With effect from May 2002 the search ratio has increased to 12 per cent. Selection is based on collated intelligence and profiles.
	Other vehicles such as private cars and vans are not systematically checked by Immigration Officers at Dover, but checks are carried out where a vehicle fits a particular profile or where the Immigration Officer's suspicions are otherwise aroused.